A natural treasure without a clear strategy

Before 2026, Mayotte must fill a crucial gap: the lack of reliable tourism data.

The Court of Auditors highlighted this in its report published in June 2025. This gap is hampering the sector’s growth and preventing decision-makers from taking precise action.

Today, no figures clearly describe the importance of tourism in the local economy. INSEE, however, has a counting method that has been used in other overseas departments since 2019. In Mayotte, this method remains absent. Even hotel occupancy has only been regularly monitored since 2021, initially to measure the effects of the health crisis.

Faced with this observation, the Court of Auditors recommends the implementation of reliable indicators before the end of 2026. These tools should help authorities plan actions, target priorities, and direct investments toward the territory’s real needs.

In the area of training, progress remains encouraging. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of young people trained in tourism careers almost doubled. Funding now stands at nearly half a million euros. However, many candidates do not obtain placements. Structures are lacking, and links between training organizations remain weak.

To improve the situation, the State, Akto, and the Departmental Council signed an Employment and Skills Development Agreement (ADEC) in November 2024. This program, with a budget of 570,000 euros, aims to strengthen training in the hotel, restaurant, water sports, and cultural mediation industries.

However, without solid coordination between institutions, these efforts risk remaining scattered. The Court therefore calls for better governance to make the sector more transparent and efficient.

Mayotte has considerable assets: an exceptionally rich lagoon, a vibrant culture, and remarkable landscapes. Tourism development must build on these resources while preserving the environment. Sustainability and local employment must move forward together.