Team: Ipsa Davy Gungadin and Urvashi Conhye
Accurate and reliable statistics play a crucial role in analyzing the performance of tourism industries, especially for Mauritius, a popular tourist destination renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture. An article was published on 09 June 2023 on WAZAA FM, showcasing the number of tourists arriving in Mauritius from January to May 2023.
The following data was derived from statistics Mauritius. The article indicated that 507 575 tourists came to Mauritius. However, when we proceeded with the fact checking where the numbers were double checked, we found that the total number of arrivals was 514,258. The journalist has only taken into account the number of tourist arrivals by air and not by sea, as shown below.
https://statsmauritius.govmu.org/Pages/Statistics/Monthly/Monthly-Tourists.aspx
Another inconsistency that we found in the reported figures written in the article was that the journalist mentioned that Mauritius welcomed 304 933 tourists in the first three months of 2023. When the calculation was made for the first three months it did not amount to the same number, the total was actually 305 197.
The next inaccurate figure that we found was the total number of tourist arrivals by country of residence. The journalist brought out the total number of tourist arrivals from Reunion Island and South Africa which was 26 645 and 37 137 respectively. But again when checked on Statistics Mauritius, the numbers were not corresponding. As can be shown in the picture below, the total number of tourists for Reunion Island is 56 645 which is a rather significant difference from what the journalist wrote in the article. As for South Africa, it is 37 151.
This article aims to shed light on the importance of fact checking and how news outlet often neglect this process. The article published by WAZAA FM is one example. The pressure to meet demanding deadlines and to attract readership has resulted in news outlets prioritising quantity over quality. Being the first to publish frequently takes precedence above being correct due to the fast-paced nature of this digital era. As a result, fact-checking processes are often neglected, leading to the dissemination of incorrect or misleading information. News outlets are the gatekeepers of information, and their credibility is built on accurate and reliable reporting. However, the absence of rigorous fact-checking undermines this credibility. It is the responsibility of editors and senior journalists to establish robust fact-checking processes. Allocating sufficient time, resources, and personnel for thorough fact-checking can help maintain the integrity of the news outlet’s content. Ensuring accuracy should be an unwavering commitment, as it forms the foundation of responsible journalism.
Submitted as part of an assignment for the module Digital Journalism in Year 3 of the BSc (Hons) Journalism taught at the University of Mauritius by Mrs Christina Chan-Meetoo
UoM-Communication Studies 
Very informative
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