Mauritius introduces WeChat-specific package for Chinese tourists

Mauritius Telecom recently launched a WeChat-specific phone package targeted at tourists from China and other Asian countries.

In partnership with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Agency and the Embassy of China, the telecommunications company offers the WeChat starter pack with up to 1GB of dedicated WeChat mobile internet. It offers two validity options: seven days for Rs 39 or 30 days for Rs 199 ($5.52).

Mauritius' Deputy Prime Minister Charles Xavier-Luc Duval, who heads the Ministry of Tourism, said the country has been focusing on the Chinese tourism market and in recent years it has stepped up facilities and services such as Chinese signs in public places and Chinese services at restaurants.

The number of Chinese visiting Mauritius rose by 41 percent from about 60,000 to 90,000 in 2015, a big surge since Mauritius introduced a visa-free policy in 2013 for Chinese whose stay does not exceed 30 days.