1. When did the MCCI introduce ‘Airport Delivery’?
This service has been available to tourists since 1996. Tax Free purchases are made in a registered shop and tourists collect their purchases from the MCCI counter at the airport on departure from Mauritius. The ‘Airport Delivery’ service allows tourists to make Tax Free purchases in registered shops located outside the airport, thus having access to a wider range of products.
Since October 2017, Mauritians departing from Mauritius can also benefit from Tax Free shopping in Mauritius. It is estimated that Mauritians spend around 4 billion rupees abroad on purchases during their travels. The Airport Delivery service therefore encourages Mauritians traveling abroad to make some of their purchases in Mauritius. In this way, foreign currency remains in Mauritius, helping to boost the economy.
Also, the increase in Tax Free sales can potentially make prices more competitive and attractive even for Mauritians who do not travel because of the volume.
2. Tell us more about this premium product and its advantages.
Mauritians traveling abroad can make purchases free of VAT in approved shops displaying the ‘Airport Delivery’ logo. The procedure is quick and easy once you are at the MCCI counter. Mauritians do not need to queue at the customs counter. They can even make a purchase on the day of their departure and have it delivered to the airport, as delivery by the shop can be made in less than 48 hours or even on the day of the flight in some cases.
What makes the Airport Delivery service even more attractive is that there are no administrative charges.
The Airport Delivery service promises a seamless experience and enables tourists and Mauritians traveling abroad to benefit from tax exemption of a minimum of 15% of the price excluding VAT, up to 40% for products subject to excise duty for purchases made in shops registered in the Airport Delivery network. Mauritians simply need to present themselves with their passport and give their flight details at the time of payment in approved shops. The items will then be delivered directly to the MCCI counter at the airport.
Cruise delivery is also available at the port for passengers traveling on cruise ships.
3. According to your database, which products do Mauritians buy more through airport delivery?
Jewelry and accessories: these products are bought to give as gifts to family or friends abroad, or even to celebrate a wedding for oneself or a loved one. These products are particularly popular with the Mauritian diaspora.
Alcohol and spirits: prices are very favorable compared with duty free shops abroad. Moreover, delivery is very quick at the MCCI counter.
Electrical and electronic goods: prices are also very favorable compared with shops abroad.
Mobile phones and tablets: buying a phone or tablet in Mauritius means you can be sure of a secure guarantee and after-sales service.
Laptops and computer products, which are particularly popular with businessmen and students.
4. You mentioned a ‘network of operators’; Who are these operators and how can Mauritians access the list?
Today there are over 300 shops in the Airport Delivery network, and they are listed on our website www.mcci.oxo.mu. These operators are located all over the island, most of them in shopping malls.
5. You now have a brand called ‘TaxFreeShopping.mu’? Tell us more about it.
TaxFreeShopping.mu was created following a rebranding exercise last year. It brings together the Tax Free Shopping, Airport Delivery and Cruise Delivery brands.
The idea is to make TaxFreeShopping.mu a strong brand identity, easily recognisable by both tourists and Mauritians traveling abroad. This will also help to strengthen brand awareness and perception. A key element of this brand strategy is to establish the brand’s unique value proposition. It is a trusted brand that also enables tourists to spend more during their stay in Mauritius.
