Mauritius-India Tourism Boost: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority says it welcomed 51,005 Indian visitors from January to July 2026, up 14.5% year-on-year, after a four-city push in Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad aimed at growing leisure, family, luxury, MICE, wellness, golf, gastronomy and adventure. New Direct Route for Travellers: IndiGo will launch daily direct Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from 20 November 2026, with bookings open via its website and partners; the airline says the link will strengthen trade, tourism and education ties and notes it already flies direct to Mauritius and Seychelles. Visa Rules for the Region: New Zealand’s visa waiver list includes only Mauritius and Seychelles in Africa (travellers still need an NZeTA). Thailand is also tightening travel: from 15 September 2026, the old 60-day visa-free stay ends and many visitors get up to 30 days, plus a Digital Arrival Card requirement. Culture & Faith in Port Louis: On the 162nd anniversary of Blessed Jacques-Désiré Laval’s death, the Catholic Diocese of Port Louis called for renewed solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, urging Christians to “walk together” through history and respond to today’s suffering. Indian Ocean Diplomacy: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has invited UK PM Andy Burnham for “meaningful dialogue” over Chagos sovereignty, while the UK maintains the issue is between the UK and Mauritius. Travel Inspiration: A guide compares Mauritius and the Seychelles for winter escapes, suggesting combined itineraries for beaches, culture, mountains and easy island-hopping.