Flic en Flac has become the second tourist area of Mauritius
after Grand Baie. From a small fisherman village, over the past
20 years, it has rapidly developed to an important tourist area.
Flic en Flac derived it’s name from an Old Dutch phrase "Fried
Landt Flaak" that literally means "Free and Flat Land."
During the 60’s the village was known only for it’s cemetery
where people from nearby villages came to burry their dead
relatives. There was also some artisanal hunting of wild ducks
and birds in the marches of the region.
Unlike Grand Bay who knew a “wild” development in the north, the
development in Flic en Flac was monitored by the authorities.
Strict rules were applied to constructions and commercial
outlets. For example, to avoid Flic en flac becoming a slum,
only 40% of a given plot of land should be used for
construction.
During the 70’s and 80’s the economy of the country was
oriented
towards sugar and textile exportation . At this time the
authorities were reluctant to develop the tourist sector,
Licenses were not granted easily to International Hotels who
wanted to open 5 star hotels in Mauritius. The authorities then
were talking about “containing” the amount of tourist visiting
the country. Charters were not allowed to land in Mauritius.
Instead facilities were given to foreign investors to develop
manufacturing industries and give jobs to workers in Mauritius.
But rapidly the wages rose and the investors moved to other
cheap labour countries like Madagascar and Pakistan. The price
of sugar on the world market also fell drastically. Hence the
government review it’s policy and and encouraged the expansion
of the tourim sector. In this perspective, several five stars
hotel were allowed to be built in the region of Flic en Flac.
They have exclusive use of the beaches in front of the hotels.
And when Flic en Flac started to make it’s name, wealthy
Mauritian settled abroad bought land in the area to build
bungalows where they intended to stay during their holidays in
Mauritius.
During their absence they rented it to other tourists. And
rapidly Flic en Flac became known for it’s self catering
accommodations. Progressively all facilities became available in
Flic en Flac. It has now it’s bank, pharmacy, supermarket etc.
Geography
Flic en flac is found in the district of Black River on the
western coast of the island of Mauritius. The area has the
nicest beaches of the island protected by the surrounding coral
reefs. The region is protected from the South east trade winds
by a chain of Mountains.
It is significant to note that some wet marches on the region
have been covered with land fills and buildings allowed to be
constructed on them. This is a concern for some ecological
organizations who warn of the risk of floods during rainy
seasons.
