Staff WriterIn less than a decade, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has gone from ambitious newcomer to one of the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour’s brightest success stories.
Last year’s edition didn’t just crown a champion — it pumped a record $4.2 million in net economic impact into the Mauritian economy, proving that golf in paradise can do far more than just provide postcard views.
The independent study, carried out by MKA Economics, confirmed what many in Mauritius already suspected: this is more than a golf tournament. It’s a driver of jobs, tourism, sponsorship value, and international exposure for an island that thrives on all of the above.
“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,” said Thierry Vallet, Chief Executive Officer of AfrAsia Bank. “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.”
The 2024 edition didn’t disappoint. Over 50 new tourism-related jobs were created, sponsorship returns hit a record high, and fans left grinning from ear to ear.
“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,” Vallet added.
A Return to La Réserve Golf Links
The 2025 tournament, played from 18–21 December, will once again roll onto the dramatic fairways of La Réserve Golf Links, Mauritius’ latest golfing jewel set on the famed Bel Ombre estate. Co-designed by South African golf architect Peter Matkovich and Major champion Louis Oosthuizen, the links quickly earned global acclaim — being crowned “World’s Best New Golf Course” in 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…
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.”
Golf Meets Tourism
For Mauritius, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has become more than just a date on the golfing calendar — it’s a global shop window.
“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,” said Avinash Teelock, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
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.”
A Pathway to Greatness
Beyond the beaches and broadcast figures, the event has also carved out a reputation as a springboard for rising talent.
Sunshine Tour players have used strong performances here to catapult themselves onto the DP World Tour.
“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,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.
“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.”
A Fitting Finale
For the DP World Tour, Mauritius is now firmly established as a highlight of its Opening Swing. “We’re delighted to be returning to La Réserve Golf Links for a tournament that has become a firm favourite amongst our members,” said Ben Cowen, the DP World Tour’s Chief Tournament & Operations Officer.
“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.”
With paradise views, a course with bite, and a proven ability to boost the island’s economy, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has lived up to its billing as “Golf’s Most Beautiful Week.”
The only problem for the players? Trying not to get distracted by the view while keeping their scorecards intact.
