BUSINESS
“WE ATTRACT CITIZENS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD (...).
WHAT WE ARE DOING IS SIMPLY INCREDIBLE!”
PHILIPPE ESPITALIER-NOËL
Group, has just received its letter of intent for a development
of this kind.
Some years back, you said: “Tourism should be promoted
in a contemporary manner. I find that Mauritius is being
inadequately marketed.” Is there an evolution in the image of
Mauritius throughout the world?
Today, we think bigger with events like the AfrAsia Bank
Mauritius Open, the Rugby World Cup 10s, or even Porlwi by
Light, which was a resounding success vis-à-vis the Mauritian
population. We should support this particular initiative so that
it becomes a significant cultural event that is liable to appeal
to tourists as well. All the stakeholders, including hotels, would
profit from supporting a more open model. The Minister XavierLuc Duval has clearly understood this, but we must be more
ambitious and give even greater support to major initiatives. I
am thrilled by the rise in power of the many talents and players
in the events industry. New opportunities are about to emerge in
the offing, and by thinking bigger, we will be able to once more
aim at the target of 2 million tourists a year.
years, we plan on proposing a sustainable and unique project
combining historical, cultural, sporting, environmental and
social aspects.
As a matter of fact, you have sold more than 150 villas at the
IRS Valriche. How do you see the evolution of the luxury villa
market in Mauritius?
The global real estate market has taken a hard blow with the
subprime crisis, and many luxury projects such as Villas Valriche
have had to adapt to the situation. However, this in no way
affects the attractive environment and standard of living that
one can enjoy in Mauritius. In fact, our Hotel Group, VLH,
has performed well this year, with an occupancy level of 85%.
We have never been closer to the reality of the global village.
We attract citizens from all over the world and who have the
means and choice to go wherever they want. What we are doing
is simply incredible!
Is the Group committed to supporting cultural projects?
Our Group has always supported the development of culture
and society. The world suffers from unevenness, and people
are seeking equality and social justice. The Group is currently
contributing to social projects such as Passerelle and OLEA. We
are also involved in Porlwi by Light, or even in the production of
the first album of Patyatann. In Bel Ombre, the cultural aspect
also holds a prominent place in our vision. Over the next five
In January 2015 you stated: “I am very optimistic about the
future of Mauritius.” Are you even more optimistic today?
Society is akin to an individual, but on a larger scale. To allow this
individual to make a contribution, we must focus on the person’s
strengths and help her or him channel these strengths. Ditto for
our society. I am convinced that Mauritius is a beautiful star in
the Indian Ocean. The Mauritian citizen is tolerant, caring and
willing to work. One only needs to use the right key to open
this vault of abilities. At work as well I feel privileged, as I feel
supported and surrounded by wonderful and talented people.
Yes, I am very optimistic!
LE CHÂTEAU DE BEL OMBRE
UNE VILLA VALRICHE
ÉDITION 2017
65