The latest official data from Statistics Mauritius confirms a promising 2026 for Mauritian tourism. The first quarter recorded 348,445 tourist arrivals, up +6.8% from Q1 2025 (326,389 visitors). A symbolic milestone is within reach: an annual record of 1.5 million visitors.
Germany leads the surge, cruise arrivals soar
While France remains the top source market with 83,557 visitors (+0.7%), the surprise comes from Germany: 35,007 arrivals, a spectacular +50.3% increase. India continues its rise at +21.1% (14,990 visitors), and Russia posted +15.9%.
Maritime tourism is booming: cruise arrivals surged +61.6% to 15,813 passengers in Q1 2026, versus 9,785 in Q1 2025. Mauritius's diversification into nautical tourism is paying off.
Revenue growing, premium market under pressure
January 2026 tourism revenues reached approximately MUR 11.3 billion. With sustained demand, the luxury hotel market is tightening: advance bookings are shrinking faster, rates are rising — particularly along the east and west coasts and in hybrid business-leisure segments.
Why it matters
Tourism accounts for roughly 19% of Mauritius's GDP. With Q1 up 6.8% and emerging markets (India, Germany, Russia) growing strongly, the island is on course for a new annual record. However, rising pressure on premium inventory signals an urgent need for new capacity investment to sustain the growth trajectory.
Source: Statistics Mauritius, Stay-in-Mauritius.com, Q1 2026 data