Updated on: December 18, 2025

Tourism Business Ideas in Mauritius for 2026

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Mauritius is moving into a new phase of tourism. Travellers are no longer looking only for beaches and resorts — they now want experiences, authenticity, and nature-focused activities. This shift creates many exciting tourism business ideas in Mauritius, especially for 2026.

Tourist arrivals are expected to keep growing, and the government is promoting eco-tourism, wellness, and community-based travel. For entrepreneurs, this is the perfect time to launch something new.

Before diving into the top tourism business ideas in Mauritius, you can also check our guide on how to register and start your business in Mauritius.



Top Tourism Business Ideas in Mauritius

Below are business ideas that are not yet saturated but have strong potential to become big trends.

1. Wellness Retreats and Holistic Stays

Travellers want more than spa treatments — they want complete wellness experiences.

Business idea:
Create boutique retreats offering yoga, meditation, nature walks, Ayurvedic treatments, plant-based meals, and digital detox programmes.

Why it works:
Mauritius has beautiful natural spaces perfect for relaxation, and wellness tourism is growing worldwide.

Best regions:

  • South — Chamarel, Bel Ombre, Le Morne
  • Reason: Quiet, surrounded by nature, perfect for retreats

2. Culinary Tourism and Food Experiences

Mauritius has one of the richest food cultures in the world, but organised culinary tours are still rare.

Business idea:

  • Street food tours
  • Home-cooking experiences with Mauritian families
  • Farm-to-table restaurants on old sugar estates
  • Rum and spice tasting workshops

Why it works:
Food tourism is booming, and Mauritius is recognised internationally for its unique cuisine.

Best regions:

  • North — Grand Baie, Pereybere
  • Reason: High tourist volume and easy access to markets, restaurants, and street food areas

3. Agro-Tourism and Farm Experiences

With more farms turning to organic and sustainable agriculture, this niche has strong potential.

Business idea:
Create farms where visitors can participate in harvesting, learn traditional cultivation methods, taste fresh produce, or stay in eco-lodges on agricultural land.

Why it works:
Eco-friendly tourism is in demand, and Mauritius has many green spaces ideal for farm activities.

Best regions:

  • South — Chamarel, Rivière Noire
  • Reason: More space, many farms, and a natural setting

4. New Marine Experiences

Most marine operators offer basic trips, leaving room for new concepts.

Business idea:

  • Underwater photography tours
  • Marine conservation trips (coral planting, guided ecology tours)
  • Shipwreck submarine visits
  • Glass-bottom tours with augmented reality

Why it works:
Mauritius has more than 100 dive sites, and travellers want meaningful experiences, not only beach activities.

Best regions:

  • North — around Coin de Mire
  • South-West — Le Morne
  • Reason: Best marine visibility and lively underwater ecosystems

5. Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Mauritius has a rich multicultural history that tourists rarely experience deeply.

Business idea:

  • Heritage walking tours
  • Dinner at a Mauritian family home
  • Workshops with artisans (basket weaving, sega drums, pottery)
  • Cultural shows mixed with storytelling

Why it works:
Travellers want real cultural connections, not commercial attractions.

Best regions:

  • South — Le Morne (UNESCO site)
  • North — Pamplemousses, Port Louis (easy access to history)

6.  Glamping and Eco-Lodges

Glamping is growing quickly around the world, and Mauritius has huge potential for this.

Business idea:
Build eco-friendly tents, wooden cabins, or glass domes offering a comfortable stay close to nature.

Why it works:
Visitors want nature experiences, but still want comfort.

Best regions:

South — Chamarel, Black River Gorges

East — Bras d’Eau

Reason: Untouched landscapes and cheaper land

7. Sports Tourism (Golf, Tennis, Kite-Surfing)

Mauritius is becoming a sports destination, but services around these activities are lacking.

Business idea:

  • Golf academy or training camps
  • Amateur golf tournaments
  • Kite-surfing school
  • Tennis holiday packages

Why it works:
Sports tourists spend more and stay longer.

Best regions:

  • South — Le Morne (kite-surfing), Bel Ombre (golf)
  • East — Belle Mare (golf resorts)



North vs South: Which Tourism Business Ideas Work Best Where?

North Mauritius (Grand Baie, Pereybere, Trou aux Biches)

Best for:
✔ Water sports
✔ Yacht charters
✔ Co-working spaces
✔ Food tours
✔ Nightlife and entertainment

Why:
High tourist arrivals, modern infrastructure, restaurants, marinas, and strong nightlife.

South Mauritius (Chamarel, Le Morne, Bel Ombre, Black River)

Best for:
✔ Eco-lodges, glamping
✔ Agro-tourism
✔ Adventure activities (hiking, canyoning)
✔ Wellness retreats
✔ Kite-surfing schools
✔ Cultural tours

Why:
The South is wilder, more natural, less commercial, and perfect for nature-focused tourism.

How to Start Your Tourism Business in Mauritius

  • Register with the Tourism Authority
  • Apply for necessary environmental or health permits
  • Choose a region suited to your niche
  • Partner with hotels, travel agencies, and concierges
  • Build a strong online presence (TripAdvisor, Google Maps, Viator, social media)

Why 2026 Is the Right Time

The best tourism business ideas in Mauritius focus on authenticity, sustainability, culture, and adventure. Mauritian tourism is evolving fast and rewarding businesses that think differently.

If you create memorable experiences connected to Mauritian nature, culture, and lifestyle, 2026 will be a strong year for your tourism venture.

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