Saturday, May 24, 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has taken a major step to enrich the travel experience for customers in Mauritius by inaugurating its innovative at The Docks 2, United Docks Business Park in Port Louis.

This cutting-edge retail space, spanning 1,895 square feet, introduces travelers to an immersive journey through Emirates’ global network, showcasing technological innovations and offering personalized support.

The launch ceremony was graced by Emirates’ senior leadership and prominent Mauritian officials, including , Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, , Minister of Housing and Lands, and , Acting Head of Mission for the UAE Embassy in Mauritius. The event also featured top executives such as , Executive Vice President Passenger Sales and Country Management, and , Senior Vice President Commercial Operations for West Asia and the Indian Ocean.

The new Emirates Travel Store is designed as a state-of-the-art hub where customers can engage directly with Emirates’ latest offerings. Visitors have the opportunity to explore inflight products, consult with expert staff on tailored travel plans, book tickets, and manage their travel preferences. The store is equipped with digital self-service kiosks and interactive features such as a selfie mirror that allows customers to capture photos against backdrops of iconic Emirates destinations.

Additionally, a curated selection of exclusive Emirates-branded merchandise and travel accessories is available, turning the store into a one-stop destination for inspiration and convenience for both leisure and business travelers.

Adnan Kazim remarked during the opening:

“Operating in Mauritius for 23 years, this Travel Store demonstrates Emirates’ ongoing commitment to expanding our presence on the island and delivering a seamless, personalized travel experience. Our customers can now engage with our brand in a unique way before they even board a flight.”

Coinciding with the store launch, Emirates renewed its longstanding partnership with the by signing a new . This agreement marks over a decade of collaboration aimed at promoting Mauritius as a top-tier destination in the Indian Ocean region.

The MoU signing was conducted by on behalf of Emirates and , Chairperson of the MTPA, under the auspices of the Honourable Shakeel Mohamed.

The renewed partnership continues a mission that began in 2012, focusing on coordinated marketing efforts targeting key international markets including France, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Germany. Together, Emirates and the MTPA have been instrumental in facilitating increased tourist arrivals, which exceeded .

The collaboration between Emirates and MTPA has produced a range of innovative marketing campaigns and tailor-made travel packages combining excursions, attractions, and accommodations across multiple budget levels. Emirates’ extensive network of travel agents and tour operators plays a pivotal role in this outreach, effectively showcasing Mauritius’ unique offerings to discerning travelers worldwide.

Essa Sulaiman Ahmad emphasized the airline’s contribution:

“Since 2002, Emirates has proudly connected Mauritius to the world, offering award-winning services and premium products that appeal globally. Our twice-daily A380 flights have become a vital link, driving significant growth in the country’s tourism sector and supporting local communities.”

The Mauritian government, represented by the Minister of Tourism , lauded the partnership:

“Renewing our collaboration with Emirates strengthens Mauritius’ position as a premier tourism destination. This alliance has enhanced connectivity in critical markets and directly contributed to the steady increase in tourist arrivals.”

Minister Duval also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism development:

“Our joint efforts reflect a shared vision for promoting the rich cultural, natural, and experiential assets of Mauritius while ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.”

Claire Le Lay, Chairperson of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, expressed optimism about the partnership’s future impact:

“We are thrilled to renew this strategic alliance with Emirates. The airline’s unparalleled connectivity through Dubai unlocks new markets for Mauritius, particularly in the Middle East and Europe. This collaboration will remain critical to our tourism development efforts.”

In a symbolic gesture celebrating Mauritius’ 57th Independence Day, Emirates operated an A380 flight crewed entirely by Mauritians, underscoring the airline’s commitment to empowering local talent and highlighting the country’s significance within its global network.

Currently, Emirates operates two direct daily A380 flights to Mauritius, supporting robust passenger flows and cargo transport, which have proven essential for the island’s economic growth and global accessibility.

For further information on tourism initiatives and developments in Mauritius, official government portals provide comprehensive resources:

These sites offer insights on travel advisories, sustainable tourism projects, investment opportunities, and the latest updates on tourism policies in Mauritius.

The launch of Emirates’ innovative Travel Store in Mauritius combined with the renewal of the strategic partnership with the MTPA signals a new era of enhanced travel experiences and sustained tourism growth for the island nation. With digital innovation, personalized customer service, and coordinated international marketing, Mauritius is poised to strengthen its global tourism footprint, welcoming travelers with unmatched connectivity and world-class hospitality.

As Emirates continues to invest in Mauritius through advanced services and tailored partnerships, the island’s tourism sector is well-positioned for continued success in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.