In less than a decade, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has established itself as one of the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour’s most impressive success stories and which last year delivered a tournament record net economic impact for Mauritius.
An independent economic analysis conducted by MKA Economics revealed that the 2024 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open generated $4.2 million in net economic impact for the Mauritian economy – the highest in the history of a tournament that was launched in 2015.
“Our vision from the beginning was always that the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open becomes a vehicle through which we can boost the economic activity in Mauritius and drive even greater investment into our economy while also supporting the broader tourism objectives by generating global awareness of the country.
"With The Access Bank UK Ltd as our new majority shareholder, we are confident of ensuring both continuity and new synergies, and therefore, we are delighted to be pursuing this prestigious golf title sponsorship together under this strengthened partnership,” said Thierry Vallet, Chief Executive Officer of AfrAsia Bank.
“The economic impact study of the most recent AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is a clear indication that we’ve not only met these goals but in many cases exceeded them. Apart from the direct economic impact for the economy, last year’s tournament created over 50 tourism-related jobs, which shows how this tournament is having a direct impact in the community.
"Last year’s tournament also produced the highest sponsorship return in its history, which is further evidence of the clear value the event has for the other sponsors and partners. There was also a very high satisfaction level in terms of those who attended the event and their enjoyment thereof. In less than 10 years, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has excelled in terms of the positive impact it has for Mauritius.”
The economic impact study has also set the tone for a 2025 tournament that will be played at the spectacular La Réserve Golf Links from 18-21 December, bringing it back to the fairways of Mauritius’ newest golf course which has already garnered several global awards.
La Réserve Golf Links on the famed Bel Ombre estate in the south of the island has been internationally recognised as a masterpiece of golf design that was produced in partnership by renowned golf course designer Peter Matkovich and Major winner and former AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.
It was named the “World’s Best New Golf Course” by the World Golf Awards in 2024, while Matkovich was the recipient of the award for “Golf Course Designer of the Year 2024” and Heritage Le Telfair was voted the “Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Hotel 2024”.
“La Réserve Golf Links has brought a new dimension to the golf experience at Heritage Resorts and has helped position Bel Ombre as one of the island’s most complete golf destinations,” said Thierry Montocchio, CEO of Rogers Hospitality and custodian of the Heritage brand.
“The first hosting of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open on this links in 2023 drew international praise as we unveiled it to the world. Following this, we were honoured to see the course named the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ by the World Golf Awards in 2024, alongside recognitions for designer Peter Matkovich and Heritage Le Telfair.
"These accolades are a valuable validation of the vision and care that went into the creation of our golf course. We are delighted to welcome the tournament back, with the course having now truly settled in and primed to provide an even sterner test for some of the biggest names in golf.”
The partnership of a tournament with valuable economic impact and an internationally awarded golf course will again see the 2025 edition of Golf’s Most Beautiful Week fulfil its core objective as a strong driver of tourism to Mauritius.
“The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is an important partner in our tourism objectives as the tournament takes the beauty of Mauritius to a global audience through the extensive television broadcast.
"It showcases not only the scenic beauty of Mauritius but also our capacity and ability to host major international sports events through our comprehensive offering of facilities and resorts that provide a world-class sports tourism offering,” said Avinash Teelock, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open also continues to play a vital role in the pathway to greatness on the Sunshine Tour, with several professionals using their success in this event to develop their careers at the highest level of the game.
“The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is a perfect example of the strength of our strategic alliance with the DP World Tour and the pathway this affords our members. In 2024 Sunshine Tour professional Dylan Naidoo finished second in this tournament and a few months later he won his maiden title on the DP World Tour and now has full playing privileges there.
"We are extremely proud of how this tournament has grown in such a short space of time and the value it has brought to our schedule,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.
The tournament has also established itself on the DP World Tour’s Opening Swing where it offers vital early-season opportunities and incentives for the professionals.
“We’re delighted to be returning to La Réserve Golf Links for a tournament that has become a firm favourite among our members. The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open offers such a unique week on our international schedule as an event played in a special setting.
"It’s always a memorable week and the perfect way to complete our Opening Swing of the new season,” said Ben Cowen, the DP World Tour’s Chief Tournament & Operations Officer.