Mauritius – The Social Club of Air Mauritius hosted an IIPT All Island Symposium to commemorate World Tourism Day, September 27, 2013 on the theme: Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.

Featured speakers at the Symposium from left to right were: Mr. Maga Ramasamy, President, World Air Lines Club Association (WACA) and Manager, Human Resources, Air Mauritius (Moderator); Louis D’Amore IIPT Founder and President; Dr. Arjoon Suddoo, CEO, Mauritius Research Council; Dr. Patrick Kalifungwa, Vice Chancellor, Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management (LIUTEBM); and Donald Payen, Executive Vice President, Customer Service and Corporate Communications, Air Mauritius.

The Symposium also served as the occasion to announce Mr. Maga Ramasamy’s appointment as President, IIPT Indian Oceans Island Chapter. More than 60 persons from government, industry, educational institutions, and NGOs took part in the symposium that took place at the Hennesy Park Hotel. A reception and social networking followed the Symposium.

Maga Ramasamy said: “I have been involved with IIPT since its Second Global Conference in Montreal 1994 as Secretary General and then President of the World Airline Clubs Association. It is an honor now to be appointed President of the IIPT Indian Ocean Islands Chapter. We are both grateful and enthusiastic about the opportunities that have resulted as a result of the visit from Louis D’Amore and Dr. Patrick Kalifungwa.

During the visit to Mauritius, Louis D’Amore and Dr. Patrick Kalifungwa, a member of the IIPT International Advisory Board, also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Jean Claude de l’Estrac,
Secretary General, Indian Ocean Commission (COI); Hon. Devnand Virahsawmy, GOSK, FCCA, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development; Dr. the Hon. Arvin Boolell, GOSK, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade.

Louis D’Amore said: “Dr. Kalifungwa and I were most impressed with the natural beauty of Mauritius and the warm welcoming spirit and hospitality of its residents. It is not surprising that Mauritius has consistently ranked first since 2005 in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance –is ranked 6th worldwide in matters concerning the environment and is a leading tourism destination – achievements in which all Mauritians can be proud.”

Dr. Kalifungwa added: “We were also grateful for the opportunity to meet with Prof. Soodursun Jugessur, CSK, GOSK, Pro Chancellor&Chairman, U of Mauritius Council and Chairman, Mauritius Research Council; Mrs. Roubina T.D. Juwaheer, Associate Professor, Marketing and Tourism; and Indeeren Vencatachellum, Senior Lecturer at the University of Mauritius, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in educational initiatives and research.”