The Minister of Tourism Advocates for Quality Training to Support the Mauritian Tourism Industry

The essential role of quality service, along with training and skill development, in enhancing the competitiveness of the Mauritian tourism industry was the focus of a speech delivered by Tourism Minister Richard Duval on November 12, 2025, at the Sir Gaëtan Duval Hotel School in Ebène.

Accompanied by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Sydney Pierre, and other dignitaries, Richard Duval attended a certificate presentation ceremony for approximately 240 tutors from 37 hotels across Mauritius, who participated in a two-day training on pedagogical techniques and practical mentoring skills as part of the 'Train the Tutor' initiative under the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP). The NAP combines classroom instruction with hands-on workplace experience and aims to equip youth with relevant skills for the industry.

In his speech, the Tourism Minister reiterated that training, knowledge transfer, and a culture of excellence are at the heart of Mauritius's national strategy for the future of tourism. He emphasized the necessity of improving the training and mentoring of the country’s hotel staff, which he believes is vital for developing a robust and sustainable tourism sector. He congratulated the tutors, acknowledging their crucial role in preparing the next generation of tourism professionals and ensuring the ongoing success of the sector.

He also shared his vision to transform the Sir Gaëtan Duval Hotel School into an academy of excellence. "This institution has the potential to become a regional reference, offering international-level training while preserving the unique Mauritian identity in hospitality," the minister stated. He expressed confidence that this transformation would be beneficial for both the industry and the country as a whole.

While highlighting the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors, Richard Duval called for a joint effort to reorganize and modernize the Sir Gaëtan Duval Hotel School. With support from the Mauritius Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHRIM), he believes the institution can achieve its goal of becoming a center of excellence in the region.

Furthermore, the minister stressed that the quality of a training institution depends on the competence and credibility of its instructors. He explained that in the tourism and hospitality sector, service excellence and skill mastery make all the difference. He emphasized the need to integrate experienced and renowned professionals into training programs, ensuring that students benefit from real-world knowledge and expertise.

As part of this vision, Richard Duval announced that the public-private partnership would involve industry experts, such as renowned chefs, hotel managers, customer service leaders, and specialists in tourism marketing and sustainable development. These professionals will contribute to the curriculum through masterclasses, seminars, and courses, thus enriching the learning experience with practical knowledge. This approach will bridge the gap between theory and practice, better equipping students with the skills and attitudes necessary to meet market demands.

"This initiative will not only allow students to better understand the real challenges of the sector but will also facilitate the transfer of valuable skills and professional attitudes," he stated. The Tourism Minister added that this initiative would provide youth with a clearer vision of their future in the tourism industry.