Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
desks in the arrivals hall at the airport. They can assist with hotel bookings and general is-
land information.
Also useful is Mauritius Telecom's 24-hour phone service,
Tourist Info
( 152). At
any time of day or night you can speak to someone (in English) who will at least try to an-
swer your questions.
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
(MTPA; 208 6397;
www.tourism-mauritius.mu
)
The Mauritius
Tourism Promotion Authority is a government-run body essentially responsible for pro-
moting the island and its virtues to foreign markets. MTPA has a constellation of kiosks
peppered across the island, although, to be perfectly frank, we found these stations disap-
pointing - many were empty during prime business hours, and when we did find someone
staffing a booth they tossed us an outdated island map and offered very limited informa-
tion. You're better off asking tour operators, hotel staff or anyone else accustomed to deal-
ing with the usual onslaught of traveller's queries.
Association des Hôteliers et Restaurateurs de l'Île Maurice
(AHRIM; 637 3782;
www.mauritiustourism.org
)
The recommended Association des Hôteliers et Restaurateurs de l'île Maurice is an asso-
ciation of high-quality hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. AHRIM is starting to offer
guesthouse-plus-airfare packages - an attempt to empower tourists to have a local experi-
ence while also benefiting from discounted airfares. Check out its website for details.
TRAVELLERS WITH DISABILITIES
Mauritius makes a relatively decent provision for those with mobility problems. Modern
buildings conform to international standards for disabled access, although public toilets,
pavements and lifts tend not to be as good. Most top-end hotels have wheelchair access,
lifts and specially equipped bathrooms. In big hotels, there are always plenty of staff
around to help and it is often possible to hire an assistant if you want to go on an excur-
sion or a boat trip. With a bit of extra warning, some riding stables, dive centres and other
sports operators can cater for people with disabilities.
None of the public transport systems offer wheelchair access. Anyone using a wheel-
chair will be reliant on private vehicles.
VISAS
You don't need a visa to enter Mauritius if you are a citizen of the EU, the USA, Aus-
tralia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or a number of other countries. You can find more in-
formation on the government website (
www.passport.gov.mu
)
. Initial entry is granted for
a maximum of three months and proof of a planned and paid-for departure is required, al-
though not always asked for.
