MCCI’ TFS ecosystem has continued to demonstrate solid performance in 2025, reflecting the confidence of travellers and the growing digital readiness of our retail network.
Between January and September 2025, total transactions recorded under the TFS scheme grew by +7.1% compared to the same period in 2024 — a sign of renewed momentum and deeper engagement between shop operators and the MCCI.
Sustained Growth and Stronger Collaboration
This positive trajectory highlights not only the resilience of the tourism market but also the combined efforts of operators and the MCCI team to streamline the refund process and enhance customer experience. The success of initiatives such as Airport Delivery and the Tax Free Shopping App has made tax free purchases faster, easier, and more accessible — encouraging repeat use among both visitors and Mauritians.
Who’s Buying: Top 5 Nationalities
| Rank | Nationality | Share of TFS Transactions |
| 1 | France | 21.8% |
| 2 | Réunion Island | 16.2% |
| 3 | Germany | 6.2% |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 6.1% |
| 5 | India | 5.6% |
Travellers from France and Réunion Island remain Mauritius’ most active tax free shoppers, together accounting for over one-third of all transactions. Their steady growth underscores the importance of maintaining strong visibility and store readiness for French-speaking customers, as well as continuing to serve the regional market effectively. Meanwhile, India’s steady rise to the top five marks an encouraging trend toward market diversification and new spending behaviour among long-haul visitors.
What They’re Buying: Top 5 Product Categories
| Rank | Category | Share of Total Sales Value |
| 1 | Jewellery & Accessories | 48.0% |
| 2 | Clothing & Fashion | 20.8% |
| 3 | Alcohol & Spirits | 6.7% |
| 4 | Health, Beauty & Wellness | 6.3% |
| 5 | Arts, Souvenirs & Crafts | 4.3% |
Luxury remains the leading segment, with Jewellery and Accessories representing nearly half of total tax free sales — a reflection of Mauritius’ continued appeal as a premium shopping destination.
Clothing and Fashion maintains its strong position, supported by increased visibility of local and regional brands, while Health & Beauty and Artisanal Crafts are emerging as growing segments among value-driven and experience-oriented travellers.
For TFS registered operators
These results show that 2025 is shaping up to be a year of renewed buying confidence and operational strength. With tourism continuing to expand and more travellers using digital tools to plan and track their purchases, now is the ideal time for retailers to:
- Strengthen their online presence via the Tax Free Shopping App directory
- Offer multilingual assistance to key markets like India and emerging markets from the middle east
- Ensure staff are trained on smooth refund and Airport Delivery procedures
- Highlight locally made or premium items, which continue to attract high-value buyers
As MCCI’s network grows and more operators go digital, the TFS experience in Mauritius becomes even more accessible, efficient, and rewarding both for travellers and for the businesses that serve them.
