Interview with Alain Lenoir, President of the Mauritius Golf Tourism Association
MGT: Explain to us the role of the Mauritius Golf Tourism Association (MGTA)… Is it a golf industry association or more like a government sponsored organisation like the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) that focusses exclusively on Golf?
Alain Lenoir: The MGTA is a golf industry association run by golf directors and the management team from Golf Resorts & Hotels. Our main Mission is to promote Mauritius as a year round golf destination, and to help the MTPA in developing their golf strategy in general whenever possible.
MGT: Who is the MGTA made up of? Is it only for golf course owners, or does it involve everyone in the golf industry, like resorts developers, airlines, DMC, etc?
A.L.: Going forward we would like to include in our association all the professionals involved in the golf industry (DMC, airlines, golf suppliers, etc.); but this industry being relatively new in Mauritius, it’s essential that we train and educate first our hotel staff and prime partners to the ‘World of Golf’. With more than 50,000 golfers visiting Mauritius every year, it is important from day one that all stakeholders involved in the golf industry (airport staff, taxis, hotels, etc.) together bring their expertise and contribution to this sport so as to make sure that visitors experience the best golf holiday during their time with us.
MGT: One of the most popular products actively promoted by the MGTA is the Golf Pass… How did this concept come about; what is its primary objective; and do you consider it a success?
A.L.: Indeed, we introduced this Golf Pass in 2017, because we know that golfers like to play generally more than one golf course during their stay on the island. We also wanted to attract more visitors during our low season (May to September), particularly golfers from the Asian market. Unfortunately, in this industry, you cannot expect immediate results; and, we believe that we need another two to three years before we can consider it a great success.
MGT: It has been said that Mauritius does not actively promote itself enough as a multi-course destination… What role do you see for the MGTA in that; and how does the Golf Pass contribute to this objective?
A.L.: This is one of the reason that our association (MGTA) has been created; being professionals of the golf industry, we are fully aware that it is our duty to respond to the demands of golfers whenever possible. With 10 international championship courses on the island, we are easily able to welcome more golfers from overseas. This target will only be achieved if we all work together, and set the same objectives going forward. Our association is working closely with the management companies (Golf Resorts & Hotels), and I am pleased to see that the idea of promoting Mauritius as a multi-course destination is increasingly being accepted by all the stakeholders
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