News highlights of the week: A new Metro Express route, almost 600,000 tourists for the first semester and more.

Expat news
  • Shakeel Cadersaib
Published on 14 July, 2023
This week's news highlights in Mauritius: A new Metro Express route connecting Phoenix to Ebène/Réduit, a new beach management plan launched in Flic-en-Flac, almost 600,000 tourists in Mauritius from January to June and athlete Anais Angeline qualifies for Paris' Paralympics.

New Metro Express route inaugurated

On July 12, the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Alan Ganoo, officially inaugurated a new direct Metro Express Limited (MEL) route connecting Phoenix to Ebène/Réduit, bypassing Rose-Hill. In a press release, he announced that this new route will be operational during rush hours starting from the beginning of the upcoming school year. The extension of the Métro Express network to St-Pierre has also commenced and is expected to be completed by next year.

New beach management plan launched

The first phase of the Flic-en-Flac beach management plan was launched last Saturday. The plan, led by the Minister of the Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Kavy Ramano, and the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, involves the construction of a 1,600 m² parking area with 64 parking spaces (including eight designated for disabled individuals) at Flic-en-Flac beach. The ground will be covered with green blocks to allow rainwater infiltration. Other improvements include the construction of pedestrian paths, installation of new benches and garbage cans, and planting of 200 bottle palms and 100 Duranta Gold trees.

596,466 tourists visited Mauritius between January and June

According to a report published by Statistics Mauritius on July 7, a total of 596,466 tourists visited Mauritius between January and June. This figure comprises 292,015 men and 304,451 women. In June alone, the country welcomed 82,208 tourists, marking an increase compared to the same period in 2022. The report also indicates that tourism revenues for the first four months of 2023 reached Rs 28.9 billion, showing a significant 72% rise compared to the corresponding period last year.

Anais Angeline qualifies for the 2024 Paralympics

Following her impressive performance in the long jump event at the Para Athletics World Championships (PARIS'23) held in Paris, Mauritian athlete Anaïs Angeline has secured a spot in the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Finishing fourth, Anaïs Angeline's achievement in the long jump has granted her the distinction of being the first representative from Mauritius to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. As a specialist in the long jump, her qualification is a significant milestone in her sporting career.