Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé: "I urge the authorities to simplify the recruitment of foreign workers"

Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé has officially taken over as the President of the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs of Mauritius (AHRIM) during the annual general meeting held on Tuesday, October 14, at Constance Belle Mare Plage. In his inaugural speech, he outlined his vision for the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of human capital and the need to overcome bureaucratic hurdles that hinder the recruitment of foreign talent.

"Tourism is not just the concern of hoteliers and restaurateurs; it’s everyone's business," stated the new AHRIM president, Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé, reminding that every citizen and merchant contributes to the overall experience of visitors. For him, no successful tourism strategy can be built without a strong human capital base.

The president highlighted the need to revitalize the Sir Gaëtan Duval Hotel School, aiming to train local talents and attract young professionals from the region, particularly from Madagascar. "Resources are available through the National Training Fund, but they need to be better directed," he pointed out. Modernizing infrastructure, fostering international partnerships, and developing programs aligned with global standards are key measures to activate. He conveyed that AHRIM is committed to prioritizing this school nationally, in collaboration with the authorities.

Revamping the Image of Professions

Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé criticized the slow and complex procedures for recruiting foreign workers. According to him, these delays result in talent loss and complicate the operations of establishments. "We are confident that this message has been heard and that these processes will soon be simplified," he noted, calling for pragmatic and ethical solutions to ensure a supply of qualified personnel.

He also stressed the need to elevate the image of tourism professions, which are often viewed as second-choice careers. "These are professions driven by passion, emotion, and human connection," he reminded. He supported that the private sector, through initiatives like the 'Les Métiers de l’Hôtellerie' collective, is already taking action, but he believes that government support is essential to attract new talents and enhance the image of these professions.

Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé addressed other crucial issues: sustainable development, coastal erosion, stray dogs, air access, and electricity supply. He emphasized that protecting the Mauritian environment and promoting sustainable practices are no longer optional but essential for maintaining the island's appeal and meeting visitor expectations. Furthermore, he highlighted that celebrating Mauritian culture – including gastronomy, arts, crafts, music, and heritage – must enrich the tourist experience and generate economic benefits for local communities. "The Blue Print developed under the leadership of the Minister of Tourism will serve as a strategic foundation for the next ten years, aiming to build sustainable, inclusive, and competitive tourism," he declared.

Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé reiterated that the presidency of AHRIM is "a crucial mission to defend, represent, and support the sector in its transformations." He is committed to maintaining open dialogue with the authorities and working towards a Mauritian tourism sector that lives up to its potential, benefiting visitors, the community, and future generations.

A Career Marked by Growth Strategy

Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé has been the Chief Executive Officer of New Mauritius Hotels Ltd (NMH) since July 1, 2023. He joined NMH in 2018 as Chief Real Estate & Construction Officer and led the creation and IPO of Semaris Ltd, a company specializing in real estate development. Under his leadership, NMH is deploying a growth strategy based on four strategic pillars: People-first, Guest Experience, Operational Efficiency, and Sustainable Development, driven by Digital Transformation. Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé holds a BCom in Marketing and Management from Curtin University in Australia and an MBA from Sorbonne/Paris-Dauphine. He is married and father to two boys.