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KOLKATA, INDIA, September 23, 2004: Mauritius has scrapped the visa system for Indian tourists from next month to give a fillip to tourism. “We have taken this very important decision to abolish the visa system for all bona fide Indian nationals willing to visit Mauritius, and this law will be effective from October,” Mauritius Tourism and Leisure Minister Anil K. Gayan told reporters here on Wednesday. Gayan, who was here to inaugurate the Mauritian Food Festival, said his country held India “in high esteem.” “Abolishing visas for Indian tourists, will go a long way not only in further promoting tourism but also strengthening bilateral ties with New Delhi,” the Minister said, adding that tourism fetches most revenue for the island country.



Acknowledging Indian assistance to Mauritius in its development process, Gayan said: “We are grateful to India for what it has done to us.” The Minister said the Mauritius Government was keen to further promote relations with India, adding “our cordial ties with New Delhi will remain unchanged even with the change of government.” Meanwhile, Gayan met West Bengal Tourism Minister Dinesh Dakua in Writers’ Buildings on Thursday and informed him that his government wanted a direct flight from Kolkata as Bengal and Mauritius had historical links.

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