YEARBOOK 2018 - 2019 | XJTLU DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MAURITIUS
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2018-2019 YEARBOOK Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Department of Architecture 西 交 利 物 浦 大 学 建 筑 系
Islands destinations are usually portrayed as remote locations, of small size and limited population, resources. It is the unique cultural features,
ecosystem and a pristine environment that typically differentiate islands from other types of tourist destinations. The direct and indirect benefits
that tourism involve is the potential to make positive contribution to social and cultural developments. However, tourism, coupled with worldwide
processes of urbanisation and globalisation has often led to cultural and social erosion, jeopardising cultural identity of a country or specific area.
This phenomenon, which has been observed in many countries, is gaining global attention due to its increasing frequency and the erosion or loss of
many cultures.
Mauritius, a small island in the Indian ocean was not spared by these processes. The tourism industry started in the 1950s when there was a need
for economic diversification and the creation of employment. The island was known as having the potential attractive ‘3S’ (sun, sea and sand),
which was considered as an important factor for attracting tourist at that time. Consequently, the island has witnessed a rapid growth of tourism
development expanding all over the coast of the island, where in the past few decades, Mauritius experienced a flourishing tourism industry.
However, these developments have not always brought positive impacts and the country faces several challenges affecting the social, economic
and environmental stability.
As a consequence, this research design proposal, encompassing both the studio and thesis writing, consists of exploring and providing a new model
of sustainable tourism development for Mauritius. The project will consist of finding a suitable approach to providing opportunities for the local
population’s access to their natural heritage by respecting their local culture.
STUDENT
Purmah Ghashil Singh
Paco Mejias Villatoro
TUTORS
Christiane Margerita Herr