Berlin, 2 January 2025

Combating waste in small island destinations – TUI Care Foundation launches new Destination Zero Waste Programme in Mauritius

  • Programme aims to reduce waste by creating awareness in schools as well as connecting tourism stakeholders with organisations offering recycling and upcycling solutions
  • Initiative in partnership with the Tourism Authority of the Republic of Mauritius strengthens investments into the island’s waste management infrastructure
  • Launch of the programme during a 3-day workshop held under the UN Environment Programme’s Global Tourism Plastics Initiative to train trainers to disseminate knowledge and skills for the reduction of plastic usage

Mauritius, an island destination renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant marine life, is facing challenges with littering and waste accumulation. Despite ongoing efforts, negative attitudes towards improper waste disposal and management continue to threaten the island’s pristine environment. Now the TUI Care Foundation has partnered with the Tourism Authority of the Republic of Mauritius to tackle waste and promote a change in mindset towards a circular economy. By employing a multi-faceted approach involving the local community and visitors, the initiative combines awareness campaigns, a sustainability curriculum, and infrastructural improvements. The Destination Zero Waste Programme aims to foster a cleaner, more sustainable Mauritius, preserving the island’s natural beauty for future generations.

The first pillar of the initiative is awareness, which includes launching public campaigns on the impact of littering across social media, radio and TV. The programme particularly focuses on the next generation, with children participating in lessons on environmental stewardship, waste management, and the consequences of littering. This is made possible through partnerships with the network of eco schools across the island. To maximise impact, local communities will be mobilised through clean-up events with over 100 partnerships with businesses, NGOs and organisations established to support these efforts. Local stakeholders representing the Mauritian tourism industry will have the opportunity to take part in custom-designed Discovery Tours, followed by co-creation workshops to get to know and engage with NGOs, artisans and businesses that breathe new life into waste by upcycling them into high quality products.

Destination Zero Waste Programme Mauritius also contributes to the island’s waste management infrastructure. This includes the installation of segregated bins and 2,000 beach ashtrays. The programme collects plastic and glass waste across public beaches and tourist sites, with at least 90% of this going to recycling.

The launch of the programme coincided with a 3-day workshop held in Mauritius in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme for the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. Over 80 participants representing the public and private tourism sectors gathered on the first day to enhance their capacity in reducing single-use plastics and food waste. The event was officiated by the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Mrs. Lisa Simrique Singh and concluded with remarks from the Minister for Tourism for the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Sydney Pierre.

Alexander Panczuk, Executive Director of the TUI Care Foundation: “Island destinations like Mauritius are particularly vulnerable to the challenges of waste management. Our initiative supports the vision of Mauritius becoming a plastic free destination. This commitment extends beyond just preserving the island’s unique biodiversity. It also fosters economic growth and social well-being for coastal communities. Through the Destination Zero Waste Programme, we aim to inspire a collective effort, ensuring that everyone plays a part in waste reduction. “

The partnership is part of the Destination Zero Waste Programme, which inspires new ways to reduce and reuse waste in tourism destinations that create jobs and promote a circular economy. The Programme is implemented in destinations around the world, including Curacao, Jamaica, Zanzibar and Cyprus.

About TUI Care Foundation

Building on the potential of tourism as a force for good, the TUI Care Foundation supports and initiates projects which create new opportunities and contribute to thriving communities in tourism destinations all over the world. Connecting holidaymakers to good causes, it supports education and training opportunities for young people; drives the protection of natural habitats and the marine environment; and helps local communities to thrive sustainably and benefit from tourism. The TUI Care Foundation builds on strong partnerships with local and international organisations to create meaningful and long-lasting impact. The independent charitable organisation was founded by TUI, one of the world's leading tourism businesses, and is based in the Netherlands.

About The Tourism Authority of the Republic of Mauritius

The Tourism Authority of the Republic of Mauritius’s mandate is to promote the sustainable development of the tourism industry. As such, it aims to foster and encourage the conduct of activities in the tourism industry in a responsible manner in order to preserve the integrity of the Mauritian destination. Additionally, it coordinates, supports and interacts with the organisations and institutions which promote the tourism industry, it fosters research for the effective implementation of tourism policies, it promotes public understanding and interest in the tourism industry, it develops and implements tourism and tourism-related projects, and it promotes coordination and cooperation between the public sector agencies and the private sector organisations engaged in the tourism industry.