Mauritius Draws Record Numbers of Russian Tourists as a Quieter Alternative to the Maldives
Mauritius, an island nation in the southwestern Indian Ocean, is seeing a sharp rise in Russian visitors in 2026, with tour operators billing it as a new alternative to the Maldives. According to Benoit Harter, head of the country's tourism authority (MPTA), 16,000 Russian tourists arrived between January and May alone — compared with 25,000 for all of 2025. Wealthier travelers are driving much of the interest, and industry figures say VIP tourists are increasingly favoring excursions and new experiences over displays of wealth.
Travel expert Maya Kotlyar, founder of the agency MAYEL Travel, sees two reasons behind the surge: a wide choice of good family hotels at very reasonable prices, and the fact that the island offers more than beaches — travelers can combine oceanfront stays with good service and value with daily excursions. She cautioned, however, that not every beach matches the postcard image of white sand, so hotels should be chosen carefully.
Lyusine Kodyakova, general director of the Center for Tourism and Recreation, said the Seychelles and Maldives are about seclusion and staying on separate islands, while Mauritius balances privacy and comfort with a wider range of impressions. Among its draws she listed the famous underwater waterfall illusion, parks with lions and giant tortoises, mountain routes and colored dunes. The destination suits families as well as couples, she added, and visitors find the island safe, with calm, unhurried locals who speak good English and French.
The signature dish is the "millionaire's salad," which costs 10–15 euros a portion despite its name — the price reflects its rare ingredient, the heart of a palm grown for seven to eight years, with enough to serve three. One traveler, Anton, described the taste as resembling cabbage core, but said it works well with fresh fish or seafood, herbs and lemon juice.
Tatyana Ashcheulova offered hotel advice, noting each coast has its own character. The north suits those who want infrastructure beyond the hotel and works year-round, unlike windier areas. The west and southwest offer views of Le Morne mountain and many family hotels and excursions, though strong winds occur there. The east is the windiest coast, with amenities usually contained within hotel grounds, while the south, without a coral reef, appeals to those seeking quiet beach time as well as kite- and windsurfing.
According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), Mauritius was the most expensive of the non-mass beach destinations in October, with package offers starting at 270,000 rubles for two people in a four- or five-star hotel without flights. No visa is required, and travelers can reach the island via connections in the UAE and Ethiopia, with Qatar and Turkey as other hubs. Flight time from Moscow ranges from 15 to 22 hours.