SummerTimes: 25 Years of Exemplary Success in Mauritian Tourism

On December 12, SummerTimes celebrated its 25th anniversary during a friendly evening at the Galerie du Génie in Edith, Port-Louis, bringing together nearly 150 guests, including long-time partners and key players in the industry. The event, marked by gratitude and recognition, honored the journey of a company that has become, over the years, a benchmark in Mauritian tourism.

SummerTimes, a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) in Mauritius, is celebrating its 25 years of existence this year, marking a quarter of a century of commitment to quality, responsible, and deeply human tourism. Founded in 2000, the company has established itself as a key player in the Mauritian tourism sector, recognized by both its international partners and local institutions. At the helm of SummerTimes is Philippe Hitié, founder and Executive Chairman, who was joined in 2021 by his daughter, Laura Hitié, after a successful international career.

SummerTimes offers an integrated service covering the entire tourism value chain in Mauritius. Historically positioned as a Destination Management Company since its inception in 2000, the company designs and coordinates tailor-made experiences for an international clientele, in close collaboration with industry stakeholders. This expertise has been gradually enhanced through SummerTimes Voyages, an IATA-licensed travel agency, car rentals through exclusive representation of SIXT Rent A Car, as well as air representation activities for TUI Airlines and Corsair.

SummerTimes is also active in the cruise ship segment, through its integration into the InterCruises network, a global leader operating in over 50 countries, thus enhancing its ability to support various traveler and partner profiles with the same level of demand, reliability, and service quality. Today, SummerTimes comprises a team of 230 employees.

This diversification stems from a clear strategic vision: to master the entire tourism value chain to ensure a quality customer experience.

This symbolic anniversary was celebrated during a friendly evening on December 12, 2025, at the Galerie du Génie in Edith, Port-Louis, gathering more than one hundred fifty guests, including Sydney Pierre, Junior Minister of Tourism, institutional partners, staff, clients, and long-time collaborators.

A Quarter Century Serving Mauritian Tourism

“Where the livin’ is easy…” – this tagline perfectly encapsulates the philosophy of SummerTimes, which, for a quarter of a century, has worked to create memorable moments for its clients in the paradisiacal setting of Mauritius. The year 2025 showcases the scale of SummerTimes' operations with the management of 300,000 transfers, welcoming 26,000 cruise passengers, 120,000 clients on excursions, managing 3,500 car rental contracts, operating 274 flights with international airline partners, and issuing 1,500 outbound tickets. These figures reflect controlled growth and remarkable operational capacity, positioning the company as an indispensable orchestrator of the Mauritian tourism experience, present at every step of the visitor's journey from arrival to departure.

The company also dedicated nearly 1,000 hours in 2024-2025 to training its teams, demonstrating its belief that a company grows thanks to its talents. This human investment is the foundation of a strategy where service quality is not dictated, but cultivated daily among employees whose expertise and professionalism make the difference.

A Path Marked by Certifications and Recognitions

Since its first ISO 9001 certification in 2002, regularly renewed (with the latest recertification ISO 9001:2015 in 2021), SummerTimes has continuously demonstrated its commitment to quality. The company also obtained the SafeTravels certification from the WTTC in 2020, reaffirming its role as a responsible player, notably being designated by the government to manage transfers during the reopening of borders in 2021.

Since its creation, SummerTimes has placed responsibility at the heart of its business model, well before sustainable tourism became a market requirement. This vision has led to a reassessment of its supply chain, prioritizing local products and brands made in Mauritius – a commitment formalized by joining the Made in Moris Pledge in 2023. It is also reflected in concrete and deliberate choices: ending the use of flower leis for welcoming clients and groups, refusing to promote swimming with dolphins in favor of respectful observation, and designing reimagined experiences to showcase a more authentic, conscious, and sustainable Mauritius.

This pioneering vision is now reflected in an exemplary trajectory at the Mauritius Tourism Sustainable Awards, moving from a Bronze award in 2022 to a Silver award in 2023 and 2024. More than a recognition, these distinctions testify to a daily commitment that transforms every tourist interaction into an opportunity to preserve Mauritian natural and cultural heritage while contributing to local economic development.

An Evening of Gratitude

The evening of December 12 provided a unique moment to celebrate this collective journey. In a warm and elegant atmosphere, guests revisited the significant milestones in SummerTimes’ history while paying tribute to the men and women who have contributed over the years to building the company's reputation.

Three official speeches marked the evening, highlighting the founding vision, management continuity, and institutional recognition. Philippe Hitié, Founder and Executive Chairman, emphasized: “Since 2000, our ambition has remained unchanged: to embody the ease of travel around the ‘livin’ is easy’ that defines our Mauritian identity. These 25 years are proof that an entrepreneurial vision based on trust and humanity allows for building a solid reference. Today, SummerTimes is much more than a company: it is a professional family united by the desire to share the best of Mauritius.” Laura Hitié, General Manager, stated: “This 25-year milestone marks a new momentum. Our priorities for tomorrow are clear: to structure our approach around sustainability, digitization, and to offer even more responsible tourism rooted in the authenticity of our island. We want to strengthen our partnerships with all those who wish to create lasting value. Armed with this vision of responsible tourism, we are ready to write the next chapter of our story and meet the challenges of tomorrow together.”

In her speech, Sydney Pierre, Junior Minister of Tourism, said: “My friend Popo — because when we say Popo, everyone knows. As Nelson Mandela reminded us, we are not only measured by our successes but by our ability to rise again. This evening celebrates a journey of resilience. The success of SummerTimes is not that of a lone individual, but that of a team. I commend the vision and perseverance that have allowed the company to become a reference. Behind ‘Where the livin’ is easy…’ lies a demanding profession, characterized by rigor, discipline, and a great sense of detail. It is this professionalism, carried by the entire team and daily led by Laura Hitié, that inspires trust and strengthens the credibility of the Mauritius destination. Our country needs players like SummerTimes to tackle the upcoming challenges. Thank you for this moment of collective pride.”

These speeches highlighted the importance of human capital, the transmission of values within a company, and the strategic role of SummerTimes in the Mauritian tourism ecosystem.

Looking to the Future with the Same Standards

At 25, SummerTimes reaffirms its commitment to actively contribute to the promotion of Mauritius as an exceptional destination while remaining a company deeply rooted in values of proximity, trust, and gratitude.