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The French novelist, Paul-Loup Sulitzer is currently on the island at the invitation of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) to participate in a documentary film about Mauritius as a destination for foreign investment. Last Friday, he visited the Royal Palm Hotel, “A classic and a must”, as he calls it. On that occasion, there was a book signing session for his latest work, entitled ‘Monstre Sacré’ (Sacred Monster), which came out in Paris in June.
The writer – who has sold more than 60 million books – arrived at the hotel accompanied by MTPA representatives and his friend, the French filmmaker Jean-François Marty. They were greeted by the Director, Jacques Silvant and the Beachcomber Hotels PR, Promotions and Events Manager, Patrice Clozier. Paul-Loup Sulitzer obviously enjoyed returning again to the Royal Palm, where he came for a holiday about 10 years ago. “On my third visit to Mauritius, I had stayed at the Royal Palm which was at the time managed by Jean-Pierre Chaumard. I haven’t returned since and I am now rediscovering the hotel. The place is beautiful. For me, the Royal Palm is a classic and a must. It symbolises true luxury and sophistication. Besides, the personnel are also kind and humble, with a great sense of hospitality,” he said.
The world-famous writer is on his fifth visit to Mauritius and said he was delighted to be on the island. “I have visited Mauritius on five occasions. The first time, it was during the presidency of Jacques Chirac, whom I know very well. The second time, I came with my friend, the late French singer, Carlos. I returned a third time on my own because I wanted to spend a holiday at the Royal Palm. Six months ago, I paid a fourth visit as the patron of the Golf Channel Trophy. This time, I have been invited by the MTPA to come back to make a film about ‘Investing in Mauritius’. I think that Mauritius is the perfect place for anyone wanting to do business in Africa due to its geographic position, the quality of available infrastructure and the country’s tax structure.”
“The people of Mauritius are the real wealth of the country,” said the writer. “There are many beautiful places in the world but you cannot find the Mauritian people elsewhere. The people of Mauritius are an asset for the country. I love the island. For me, in addition to being a heavenly place, the people of Mauritius are very pleasant, smiling and capable people. This is indeed very important.” And, he adds, “I could imagine myself living in Mauritius. It is at once a humble and elegant place.”
The best-selling author will be leaving Mauritius on Wednesday after an 18-day stay on the island. Speaking about his latest novel, ‘Monstre Sacré’, published by the French publishing house, Editions du Rocher, he said that, “More than anything else, it is a book of memories.” He added that, “These are not my memoirs, but a book of memories with plenty of photos. The title was chosen by the publisher. He told me, ‘With the number of books you have sold worldwide, you are a something of a sacred monster in your field.’ So I opted for this title. But it’s not meant to be pretentious.”