Date:15/10/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/10/15/stories/2004101500510400.htm

Back Air Mauritius to hike flights along with visa waiver

Our Bureau

Chennai , Oct. 14

INDIANS travelling to Mauritius on holiday or business after October 1, will not require visas, provided they have return tickets, confirmed hotel bookings and sufficient funds.

Air Mauritius plans to expand its Indian market with an increased number of flights, according to Mr Rajesh Bushgeet, Manager, Chennai and South India. Mr Bushgeet said that the airline is planning daily flights from Mauritius to Mumbai, two flights to Delhi and two flights to Chennai. The airline, at present, operates five flights to Mumbai, two to Delhi and one to Chennai.

Air Mauritius has also signed an agreement with Air Sahara and special fares are available from every major city in India with connections from Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. This pact will also cover traffic coming from Mauritius bound for other cities.

Mr Bushgeet said that Mauritius also offers connectivity South Africa, Far East, Madagascar and Dubai.

The fare between Chennai and Mauritius is Rs 18,000. The airline is also planning to come out with some holiday packages. Mr V. Raman, Honorary Consul, Republic of Mauritius and Director, RR Group of Company, said that though 10 lakh tourists visit Mauritius every year, only 29,000 are from India.