‘Uttarakhand should promote its tourism among Mauritians’

The Mauritian government wants Uttarakhand to promote its tourism among its people. In a letter, the Indian High Commission in Mauritius asked the Uttarakhand government to organise its promotional activities, as Mauritian people are increasingly wanting to connect with their place of origin through the spiritual and natural beauty of the hill state.

Uttarakhand tourism department officials informed that a letter from the Indian High Commission in Mauritius came directly to the state government after the recent visit of Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam to the state.

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Ramgoolam had highly appreciated the tourism management in the Himalayan state and hoped more visitors from his country would come here in the future. As per officials, on his return, the Mauritius Prime Minister asked the Indian High Commission to promote the Chardham pilgrimage and other Himalayan tourism avenues for Mauritians.

State tourism officials added that the Indian High Commission sent a letter suggesting that the Uttarakhand government hold roadshows and other promotional activities in Mauritius to showcase tourism in Uttarakhand.

The Indian High Commission’s letter to the Uttarakhand tourism department said that Mauritius is an upper-middle-income country with a per capita income of around USD 12,000, and its travelers are seasoned, financially capable, and deeply motivated by spiritual and cultural experiences. The Char Dham Yatra, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Himalayan circuits can be presented as once-in-a-lifetime journeys that strongly resonate with the spiritual and cultural identity of the Mauritian community.

“In this context, I would like to propose that the Department of Tourism consider organising a dedicated Uttarakhand Tourism Road Show in Mauritius, which would allow direct engagement with tour operators, travel agents, cultural associations, and the general public. Such an event could showcase the diverse tourism offerings of Uttarakhand, not only its rich spiritual heritage but also its historical monuments, cuisine, crafts, and cultural festivals.” The High Commission added that if the road show was not feasible, the mission could be provided with materials to be used for targeted outreach and promotional campaigns in Mauritius.

The Indian High Commission’s letter stressed, “For Mauritian Hindus, the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, comprising Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, holds profound spiritual significance. Interest in these sacred sites is consistently growing, particularly after the widespread awareness generated by improved infrastructure and the successful management of recent Char Dham Yatra seasons.”

It further said that the holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, Ganga Aarti, yoga, wellness traditions, and access to the Himalayas are well known and deeply admired by Mauritian devotees.

According to the letter, “Mauritius shared a unique and enduring cultural bond with India, with almost 70 per cent of the Mauritian population being of Indian origin. Every year, about 30,000 Mauritians travel to India for tourism, higher education, business, and most importantly, pilgrimage.”