Mauritius Investment opportunities

Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS)

As Mauritius continues to attract a growing number of foreigners to its shores,
investors have been showing a sustained interest in the luxury residential sector.
The uptrend in high-end residential property sales remained unabated in 2007,
with a continual influx of non-citizens acquiring villas and apartments within
Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) developments approved by the BOI.

The IRS is one of the two existing schemes under which non-nationals are allowed to
purchase residential property in Mauritius. The IRS caters for the upper end of the market
by setting a minimum price of USD 500,000 for a residential property.
Through the IRS, international buyers can become Mauritian residents as soon as they
acquire a luxury property on the island.

The IRS represents a golden opportunity for developers with experience in comprehensive
luxury residential developments of the highest international standards, complete with exclusive
recreational and leisure facilities such as golf courses, marinas and wellness centres.

Real Estate Scheme (RES)

The Real Estate Scheme (RES) is the second scheme under which foreigners are allowed to
purchase a residential property in Mauritius.
The RES caters for property development on a smaller scale than the IRS. Under this scheme,
any mix of residences can be constructed within a development area of less than 10 hectares
that is also endowed with commercial and leisure facilities. Real estate developers, land owners
and investors look to the RES as a lucrative investment opportunity through which residential
properties can be offered for sale to non-foreigners without the restriction of a minimum
legally-binding price.

Hotel development

With 2 million tourist arrivals targeted by the Government by 2015, the hotel industry is very likely to remain a powerful pillar of the economy. Significant investment opportunities exist for new hotel projects and for ancillary facilities such as restaurants, leisure parks and training centres for the hospitality industry.

Up-market business hotels

The rapid emergence of Mauritius as a regional business platform should fuel strong growth in business tourism.
Mauritius is increasingly being considered for MICE activities as evidenced by the success of the existing business hotels. The potential for up-market business hotels is still untapped to a large extent considering the expected growth in the business tourism segment.

The development of luxury villas in Mauritius has been accompanied by a growing demand for pleasure craft and yachts from high net worth individuals.
With marina facilities currently limited in Mauritius and the forecasted development of 3,500 luxury villas by 2010, a huge potential exists for the creation of marinas that will meet the future mooring requirements of yacht owners.
The Mauritius Government has already identified potential and sustainable sites for marina development.

As Mauritius gradually turns into a duty-free island, remarkable opportunities exist for shopping malls set in strategic locations.
Combining office spaces, commercial outlets for world famous brands and leisure activities in an exciting environment, the shopping malls can tap the expected 2 million tourists visiting the country in the near future as well as the local population and high net citizens working and living in the country.

Mauritius provides an enabling framework for hospitality and gaming consortia. Provision of gaming resorts comprising of convention and exhibition facilities, themed attractions, entertainment and performance venues, casino gaming, recreational facilities, hotels and retail uses could be explored in the entertainment sector. Hospitality and gaming consortia have the opportunity to create an industry that will cater both for domestic demand and a growing number of tourists.

Office buildings, business and industrial parks

The ease of doing business in Mauritius coupled with the Government’s policy to allow foreigners to acquire immovable property for business purposes are already transforming the country into a major regional business hub.
The property development landscape is witnessing major changes and significant potential exists for developing new business and industrial parks.

Leisure activities

The topography of the island and its coral reef enclosed lagoon constitute the perfect setting for a host of thrilling leisure activities one can indulge in safely: from hiking and parasailing to snorkeling and scuba diving; from surfing and water skiing to wind surfing and kite surfing.
These activities, popular amongst tourists, can be performed all year round and thus represent lucrative investment opportunities.

Amusement parks

Amusement parks are among the world’s most popular tourist attractions. In Mauritius, such attractions represent a niche that is still unexploited.
With the increasing number of tourist arrivals, there is a need to rejuvenate our product offering. Amusement and adventure parks, zoos, safari and reptile parks, 3 D and interactive animation parks, film attraction parks, aquarium and marine parks can be developed over the island.

Health tourism

With the emergence of multi-speciality hospitals and specialised health centres, Mauritius is already positioned as a health services provider to foreigners.
Medical tourism is set to grow even more in the coming years. Furthermore, the policy to allow retired non-citizens to become residents in Mauritius is expected to fuel further demand for health and wellness services.
Many opportunities exist for the setting up of world-class wellness centres and spas, ayurvedic health clinics and specialised medical treatment and rehabilitation centres. Growing emphasis is being laid around the world on eco-tourism as a sustainable, environment- friendly alternative to mainstream tourism.
Mauritius rich and preserved hinterland featuring breathtaking mountains, lush valleys and endemic species lends itself perfectly to eco-tourism development.
Recent projects in that area such as chalet residences and adventure parks are meeting with growing success from tourists and Mauritian nationals alike