Island looks east to build up new markets

Chinese arrivals are growing steadily

Sun, peace, beautiful resorts and excellent hospitality - all the ingredients of a relaxing holiday are a standard part of the Mauritius experience. The island, a 12-hour direct flight from Beijing and 11 hours 20 minutes from Shanghai, outperforms competitors with its natural beauty and exquisite waters.

Although the number of visitors from the island's traditional market, Europe, have fallen in the aftermath of the global crisis, the number of Chinese tourists to this high-end destination has almost doubled every year in recent years, reaching 20,885 visitors in 2012.