Mauritius promotes top golf courses to attract luxury travelers

Mauritius is highlighting its premier golf courses to attract high-end travelers. The island’s luxurious resorts and world-class golf facilities offer an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an exclusive and relaxing experience. With picturesque views and top-tier courses, Mauritius aims to boost its appeal as a luxury travel destination. The move is designed to draw affluent visitors who value both excellent golf and the beauty of the island’s natural landscapes.

‍Mauritius: A Growing Golf Destination

Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and coral reefs, is now setting its sights on attracting affluent golf enthusiasts. The island, which spans 2,040 square kilometers (788 square miles)—about half the size of Rhode Island—is positioning itself as a luxury golf destination. With 10 existing high-end golf courses, it is set to open its 11th, the Harmonie Beachcomber Golf Course, designed by renowned architect Olivier Dongradi in 2026. This new addition is expected to further solidify Mauritius’ reputation as a premier golf destination.

A New Wave of Golf Courses

In addition to the planned Harmonie Beachcomber course, Mauritius has already welcomed the La Reserve Golf Links, which opened last year in the island’s remote southern region. This course, signed off by famous golf figures Peter Matkovich and Louis Oosthuizen, represents another significant step in the island’s growing appeal to golf tourists.

Mauritius’ efforts to attract golf tourists are driven by the fact that golf tourism already accounts for around 5% of the country’s visitors—about 60,000 tourists annually. According to François Eynaud, CEO of luxury hotel operator Sun Ltd., golf tourists typically have a much higher spending power than the average visitor. “A golfer will spend 10% to 15% more,” Eynaud explained, emphasizing the economic benefits of attracting high-spending guests.

Golf Tourism’s Economic Impact

Tourism remains Mauritius’ primary source of foreign currency, and the sector was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, tourism is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with earnings anticipated to surpass 90 billion rupees ($1.9 billion), according to the Economic Development Board. Golf tourism is seen as a key contributor to the country’s economic recovery and growth. With the global golf tourism market projected to grow by 52% to $35 billion by 2029, Mauritius aims to capitalize on this expanding industry.

Golf Tournaments to Boost Visibility

Mauritius plans to leverage high-profile golf tournaments to increase its visibility and attract more visitors. Sydney Pierre, recently appointed junior tourism minister, sees golf events as an opportunity to raise the island’s profile. "Having celebrities and golf champions coming to the island will really enhance its visibility," Pierre said. The government plans to encourage more golf championships to be held on the island to further promote it as a golf tourism destination.

Karine Curé, chief brand and communication officer for New Mauritius Hotels Ltd., the island’s largest resort operator, notes that golf has become a key niche market for Mauritius over the past decade. With this growing focus on golf tourism, the island’s golf offerings are seen as a competitive advantage, especially when compared to its rivals in the Indian Ocean, such as the Seychelles and Maldives.

Mauritius' Rich Golfing History

Golf has a long history in Mauritius, with the sport introduced by the British military in 1844. This made Mauritius the fourth country in the world to adopt golf, after Scotland, England, and India. The Mauritius Gymkhana Club, the island’s oldest golf club, continues to serve as a testament to the sport’s deep roots in the country.

Today, Mauritius boasts several world-class courses, including the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, designed by Masters champion Bernhard Langer. The course is located on an island and accessible by a short boat trip from the mainland. Another highlight is the Anahita Golf Club, designed by four-time major champion Ernie Els, situated in the picturesque seaside village of Trou d’Eau Douce.

The Future of Golf in Mauritius

As Mauritius continues to promote its golf courses, the island sees immense opportunities in this niche tourism market. With a growing number of luxury resorts, world-class courses, and a rich golfing tradition, Mauritius is well-positioned to become a top-tier destination for golf tourism. The combination of stunning natural beauty and high-end facilities makes it an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world. According to Sydney Pierre, the potential for growth in golf tourism is significant, and the government is committed to further promoting this sector.

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Source: Business-Standard‍