The pleasure craft industry in Mauritius, comprising approximately 1,465 commercial and 2,500 private operators, as well as 500 fishing boats, is expressing concerns over several pressing issues. According to Prem Beerbul, president of the Pleasure Craft Operators Federation, the sector is suffering in silence and seeking a stronger dialogue with authorities. Key concerns include rising fuel costs, the anticipated issuance of new permits, and competition.
A recent meeting was held between the Pleasure Craft Operators Federation and the Minister of Tourism, Richard Duval, as well as the Director of the Tourism Authority, Niven Muneesamy. The federation is worried that new regulations may favor larger operators at the expense of smaller ones. With around 150 new permits expected to be issued, the industry is concerned about the potential impact on existing operators and the capacity of maritime spaces to accommodate more operators.
The cost of entering the industry is significant, with a speedboat with a single motor costing around Rs 4 million and a catamaran costing up to Rs 22 million. For operators with bank loans, repaying these investments is a substantial burden. The federation is also concerned about hotels potentially offering nautical activities directly to their clients, which could unfairly compete with small operators who have obtained permits from the government to offer these services.
The Ministry of Tourism has clarified that it will not modify regulations to allow hotels to sell nautical activities directly. Instead, hotels are expected to direct tourists to authorized operators. However, the federation is pushing for more infrastructure at embarkation points, including toilets, shelters, and parking for pleasure craft and visitors. There are currently 44 embarkation points in Mauritius.
The Ministry of Tourism has explained that the increase in tourist numbers has created additional demand for pleasure craft services, and some embarkation points still have available spaces for new operators. The ministry also notes that an existing operator cannot hold more than three permits. Despite these assurances, the Pleasure Craft Operators Federation is planning to request a meeting with the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, or the Deputy Prime Minister, Arianne Navarre-Marie.
The industry's concerns are multifaceted, and the federation is seeking a more substantial dialogue with authorities to address these issues. The anticipated issuance of new permits is expected to increase competition, and smaller operators are worried about their ability to compete. The federation is advocating for a more level playing field and greater support for small operators.
The pleasure craft industry in Mauritius plays a significant role in the country's tourism sector, and addressing the concerns of operators is crucial to ensuring the sector's sustainability. The industry's request for a meeting with senior government officials is a clear indication of its desire for a more collaborative approach to addressing these challenges.
Key points
- The pleasure craft industry in Mauritius is seeking a stronger dialogue with authorities over concerns including new permits, rising fuel costs, and competition.
- The industry comprises approximately 1,465 commercial and 2,500 private operators, as well as 500 fishing boats.
- The anticipated issuance of around 150 new permits has raised concerns about the potential impact on existing operators and maritime capacity.
