Claire Le Lay as the new president of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA). A seasoned communications expert with a distinguished career in luxury and tourism, Le Lay steps into this pivotal role at a time when the island nation faces mounting competition from regional heavyweights like the Maldives and Thailand.
With a clear mandate from Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Minister of Tourism Richard Duval, Le Lay aims to redefine Mauritius’s global tourism strategy. “Our destination must reinvent itself,” she asserts, signalling a transformative approach focused on authenticity and ecotourism. As sustainable travel increasingly influences global tourism trends, Le Lay’s vision aligns Mauritius with the shifting preferences of high-value travellers.
To achieve this repositioning, the MTPA will prioritise targeted promotions, leveraging strategic partnerships with influential personalities under meticulously structured contracts. “Quality will prevail over quantity,” Le Lay insists, reinforcing her ambition to elevate Mauritius as a premier destination for discerning travellers.
Recognising that a successful transformation requires broad collaboration, Le Lay plans to initiate a comprehensive consultation process involving local and international industry stakeholders. The goal is to carve out a distinctive identity for Mauritius that resonates with market expectations while preserving the island’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.
Le Lay’s appointment brings a wealth of experience to Mauritian tourism. A graduate of the École Française des Attachés de Presse, she made her mark early in her career working alongside Thierry Sabine on the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally. Her expertise in luxury branding was further honed in senior communications roles at the Saint Louis Group and Lancôme. Since relocating to Mauritius in 1993, she has spearheaded communications for the Roland Maurel Group and later established her own agency, BAO COMM.
As Mauritius seeks to redefine its position in the competitive global tourism landscape, Le Lay’s leadership could prove to be a game-changer. By championing a tourism model rooted in authenticity, exclusivity and sustainability, she is set to steer the island toward a prosperous and resilient future.
