The C Kite Festival will return to Mauritius from 26 to 28 June 2026, staged by C Resorts at its Palmar property on the island’s east coast. Now in its fifth year, the event seeks to combine competitive kitesurfing with curated guest experiences, as Mauritius positions itself to attract more active, experience-driven travellers.
Event format and highlights
The three-day programme mixes professional competition with recreational elements aimed at both participants and resort guests. Organisers have scheduled open-ride sessions alongside the sport’s top names, a downwind run from C Mauritius Palmar to Poste Lafayette, and competitive formats such as Best Trick, Big Air and Fun Race. Beyond daytime sport, the festival will feature beachside programming and live music designed to broaden its appeal to visitors who are not competitive riders.
A distinctive addition for 2026 is “Kite by Night,” a night-time spectacle that will use illuminated kites and LED-enhanced performances on the water. The producers describe the show as a first for Mauritius; it is intended to provide a visual centerpiece that can generate media interest and social content beyond the competition itself.
Rider roster and organisation
The festival has enlisted several recognised names in the global kitesurfing community. Confirmed participants include Lorenzo Casati, Big Air World Champion 2025; Zara Hoogenraad, Big Air World Champion 2024; Giel Vlugt, known for pioneering the double loop; Hannah Whiteley, a three-time British champion; Clément Huot, twintip world record holder 2026; and Louka Pitot, a five-time French champion who also acts as an ambassador for C Resorts.
Antoine Auriol, a former world champion and kitesurfing producer, is credited as the event collaborator. His involvement underscores the festival’s ambition to maintain technical credibility while expanding its spectator and lifestyle components.
Industry context and destination strategy
The C Kite Festival follows a broader trend in destination marketing that favours experiential, activity-led offerings to attract higher-value travellers and extend shoulder seasons. For island economies such as Mauritius, specialised sports events can deliver incremental media exposure and showcase underused coastlines to niche markets, from adventure travellers to sports tourism operators.
Locally, the festival aims to highlight the east coast’s potential for wind and water sports. While the west and south shores of Mauritius are often promoted for beaches and resorts, sustained programming on the east can diversify the island’s tourism proposition. Hosting internationally recognised athletes and media helps to place the destination on the global kitesurfing map and may support ancillary businesses such as local rental operators, guides and hospitality outlets.
Commercial and operational implications
Events like C Kite Festival can drive short-term occupancy for the hosting property and nearby accommodations. They also create content opportunities for tourism boards and travel trade partners. That said, the longer-term benefits hinge on consistent delivery, safety standards and follow-up activation to convert event attention into repeat visitation.
From an operational standpoint, staging water-based competitions and a night-time kite show requires coordination across local authorities, safety teams and event producers. The inclusion of a downwind to Poste Lafayette will depend on weather and sea conditions during the June window, which organisers typically monitor closely to ensure athlete safety and spectator access.
What visitors should know
The festival is open to a mix of professional riders and recreational participants, and programming includes elements designed for non-competitors, such as live music and beach gatherings. Spectators and travellers interested in attending should plan travel and accommodation early, as festival-driven demand can tighten availability on the east coast. Those considering participation should verify registration details and any equipment or local permit requirements through the event organiser or C Resorts.
Looking ahead
As C Resorts advances the festival into its fifth edition, organisers are continuing to balance athletic credibility with broader experiential content. If the Kite by Night show and the rider lineup generate notable coverage, the event could strengthen Mauritius’ visibility in niche watersports markets and support ongoing efforts to diversify the island’s tourism offering.
Practical details: The C Kite Festival runs 26-28 June 2026 at C Mauritius Palmar. For official programme and participation information, travellers should consult the resort’s announcements and event channels.