Mauritius 2011 tourism revenues up 10% to $1.48 b

PORTLOUIS(Reuters) :Tourism revenues in Mauritius rose by 10 percent in 2011, helped by higher visitor numbers, official data showed on Tuesday.

The Bank of Mauritius said revenues in what is a key industry for the Indian Ocean island reached 43.40 billion rupees ($1.48 billion) from 39.45 billion in 2010.

Tourist arrivals in Mauritius rose by 3.2 percent last year to 964,642 from 934,827 a year ago, overcoming sagging economies in key European markets.

Tourism typically generates about 10 percent of gross domestic product for Mauritius's economy. European tourists account for some two-thirds of arrivals. ($1 = 29.2500 Mauritius rupees)