Mauritius highlights sustainability and luxury evolution at A World for Travel forum in Paris
Mauritius was a leading voice at the 7th A World for Travel forum in Paris, held from 28 to 30 October 2026. The event brought together tourism ministers, industry leaders and decision-makers from 44 countries. The focus was on sustainability, environmental protection and the future of luxury tourism. Mauritius’s representatives, including Clency Roméo of Sunlife Group and Véronique Berthier of The Lux Collective, shared the country’s vision for responsible tourism and announced key changes for the trade.
At the heart of the forum was the message that Mauritius’s tourism appeal depends on its natural assets. Clency Roméo, Chief Sustainability Officer at Sunlife Group, spoke during the “Blue Economy: The Strategic Frontier” panel. He stressed that beaches, lagoons and marine environments are the foundation of the island’s tourism. “We cannot manufacture the water or the beach,” he said, underlining the growing threat of coastal erosion. He called for collective action from government, communities, tourism operators and visitors to protect these resources.
Roméo outlined several sustainability initiatives by Sunlife Group. These include solar-powered water heating, food-waste reduction and organic-waste recovery solutions. The recovered waste is used to generate energy and irrigation water. These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and ensure that natural resources are preserved for future generations. For leisure travel sellers, these initiatives may become important selling points for clients seeking eco-friendly destinations.
Véronique Berthier, Vice President, Sales & Marketing – Europe & North America at The Lux Collective, represented Mauritius in the panel “Is Luxury Compatible with the New Tourism?” She explained that luxury hospitality is changing. Today’s travellers want more than comfort and service. They are looking for authenticity, cultural discovery and meaningful local connections. Responsible tourism is now a key part of the luxury experience. Berthier stressed that luxury and sustainability must go together, with hotels focusing on destination identity and community engagement.
During the discussion, Berthier announced that LUX* Le Morne, a well-known luxury resort in Mauritius, will close from 30 April 2027 for major renovation works. This closure will affect leisure travellers and tour operators who sell Mauritius as a luxury destination. Sellers should note the date and check with suppliers about alternative accommodation options for clients planning trips after April 2027. The renovation is expected to enhance the property’s sustainability and guest experience, but details on reopening and new features are not yet available.
The forum’s focus on sustainability and the blue economy reflects a wider trend in global tourism. Mauritius’s participation shows its commitment to environmental preservation and responsible growth. For African leisure travel sellers, this may mean increased demand for eco-conscious travel products and a need to highlight sustainable practices in client communications. The emphasis on community engagement may also create new opportunities for tours and experiences that connect travellers with local culture.
For sellers in sub-Saharan Africa, practical questions remain about connectivity to Mauritius from major African hubs such as Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg and Addis Ababa. The primary material does not specify current airline routes or flight frequencies. Agencies should check with airlines and GDS systems for the latest schedules and advise clients accordingly. The impact of the LUX* Le Morne closure on group bookings and MICE travel is also not detailed, so sellers should seek updates from The Lux Collective as renovation plans progress.
Visa rules and entry requirements for African travellers to Mauritius are not covered in the supplied material. Sellers should verify visa policies, fees and entry documents with official sources before confirming bookings. Comparing Mauritius’s approach to sustainability with other Indian Ocean destinations, such as Seychelles or Madagascar, may help agencies position Mauritius as a leader in eco-luxury tourism. However, the primary text does not provide direct comparisons or recent tourism statistics.
Mauritius’s focus on protecting natural assets and evolving luxury tourism is part of a broader shift in the industry. The country’s participation at the A World for Travel forum builds on earlier efforts to promote sustainable tourism and respond to environmental challenges. The announcement of major renovations at LUX* Le Morne suggests ongoing investment in quality and sustainability. Open questions remain about the scale of renovations, the timeline for reopening, and how these changes will affect trade partnerships and commission structures for African sellers.
Looking ahead, Mauritius’s leadership at the forum may strengthen its position as a preferred destination for eco-conscious leisure travellers from Africa. The emphasis on authentic experiences and community engagement could drive demand for new products and partnerships. Agencies should monitor updates from Mauritian hotels and tourism authorities, and be ready to adapt their offerings as more details become available. The evolving definition of luxury, combined with a strong sustainability message, may shape the way Mauritius is marketed and sold in the region November 2026.
