The appointment, approved by the MTPA board, brings to the authority one of the most experienced figures in Indian Ocean hospitality. Jones, who is currently based in the United Kingdom, has maintained close ties with Mauritius across a career spanning more than five decades, having shaped several of the island's most prominent hotel brands before taking on global leadership roles.
From Le Saint Géran to One&Only
Jones began his career in Mauritius as General Manager of Le Saint Géran Hotel, where he oversaw its rise into one of the most recognised luxury resorts in the world. He subsequently served as Managing Director of Sun Resorts Ltd, with responsibility for seven properties across the Indian Ocean region. Working alongside Sol Kerzner, he was appointed successively as Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director and President of One&Only Resorts, a brand he helped launch globally in 2002 and position in the ultra-luxury segment.
In 2010, he became Chief Executive Officer of Lux Island Resorts, directing a global rebranding exercise that produced the LUX Resorts identity alongside new offshoots including SALT and Socio. He relocated to Singapore at the end of 2018 to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer of LUX Collective.
A strategic hire at a testing moment
The MTPA chairman, Dinesh Burrenchobay, set out the rationale plainly. "I am delighted that Paul has accepted our request to help the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority at such an important moment while we develop a sustainable long term Tourism strategy, diversify our product and deploy our global projects to ensure Mauritius remains a leading Tourism destination in the face of fierce competition. With over five decades of experience in Hospitality and Tourism while remaining a true Mauritian at heart, his help will be precious over the coming year."
Benoit Harter, the MTPA's Director, described the appointment as a turning point for the institution, noting that it coincided with what he characterised as an "exciting" period for Mauritian tourism and for the authority as it pursues its longer-term positioning ambitions.
Jones said he looked forward to working closely with what he called "Team Mauritius" and to making a meaningful contribution to the industry's future. The specific projects on which he will advise have not yet been made public.
The MTPA, established under a 1996 Act of Parliament and operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, is the Republic of Mauritius's official body responsible for international destination promotion. Mauritius receives approximately 1.4 million tourists annually, with a sustained official emphasis on moving the destination further upmarket.