Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority has signed a deal to become the official partner of World Island Awards, a brand new event dedicated to promoting luxury tourism to island nations.

The two-year agreement, which was signed at ITB Berlin 2011, comes hot on the heels of Mauritius being named one of the coolest destinations for 2011 by Futurebrand and British Airways, and being voted “World’s Leading Island Destination” at the 2010 World Travel Awards.

The inaugural World Island Awards will take place in Berlin on the eve of ITB 2012, and will be hosted in Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin’s most exclusive five-star hotel. The event is the only one of its kind dedicated to recognising islands around the world.

Through this partnership, Mauritius will spearhead the drive for the promotion of Island Tourism worldwide, as well as ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the luxury tourism map.

Pictured: Dr Karl Mootoosamy, director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, with World Island Awards founder Graham Cooke at the signing ceremony

The island is currently enjoying a thriving tourism economy under the leadership of Minister of Tourism, HE Nandcoomar Bodha, and Dr Karl Mootoosamy, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

On signing the deal, Dr Karl Mootoosamy, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “Our new partnership with World Island Awards will serve as an excellent vehicle to promote the core values of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority – in particular our emphasis on people, the environment and the capacity to ensure customer satisfaction.”

The Indian Ocean nation – which is best known for its azure waters, white beaches and luxury spas – will also showcase itself as a world-class destination to travel professionals and media from around the world.

World Island Awards founder Graham Cooke celebrates with Dr Karl Mootoosamy, director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Island Awards said: “On behalf of World Island Awards, I am delighted to have the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority as our partner.

“This nation typifies luxury tourism at its finest, and serves a benchmark for how island nations can travel and tourism for social and economic betterment.”

The awards will serve to reward excellence across all areas of tourism of the world’s island nations.

Categories will include: “World’s Leading Island Resort” and “Asia’s Leading Island Resort”.

Tourism in Mauritius

Over the past thirty years, Mauritius has expanded its luxury tourism sector. The travel and tourism sector has become more vital than ever to the nation’s economy due to declining sugar prices and economic infeasibility of textile production.

Limited space for tourism means that Mauritius continues to promote only elite and specialist tourism, while budget travel is not encouraged.

For this reason, the Mauritian government promotes boutique luxury hotels, four and five-star beach resorts, golf courses, and spas and beauty centres.