In Mauritius, tourism revenues reached $1.88 billion in 2017, exceeding initial forecast of $46.9 million. Compared to the previous year’s revenues ($1.75 billion), this represents an 8% increase, Xinhua reports.

Let’s note that the good performance was achieved regardless of the fact that the country received less tourists than it had expected: about 1.34 million arrivals against 1.36 million forecasted. In addition, revenues could have been higher if not for a low pound Sterling, according the Central Bank of Mauritius.

Tourism earnings were highest during Q4 2017, reaching $567 million, up by 9.1% against Q4 2016. This is understandable given that this period corresponds to the first half of peak tourism season in the country.

According to Mauritian authorities, 1.43 million tourists are expected in the country in 2018 and about $1.925 billion is expected to be generated by the sector.