Mozambique’s National Institute of Tourism (INATUR) has identified tourism investment opportunities worth about US$345 million, earmarking planned developments in a variety of beach and bush destinations across the country. Investors say that, in light of various measures implemented by government to encourage investment, the country is ripe with potential.
“Mozambique abounds with investment opportunities. Government is taking a very proactive stance through various initiatives, including the establishment of concessions. This cuts across all grades of accommodation, from five-star all the way down to budget options, and there is a lot of appeal for domestic, regional and international tourist markets,” said Sisa Ntshona, Executive Director of Dream Hotels & Resorts and former South African Tourism CEO, who was in the country recently to assess investment opportunities.
“While it is known for its idyllic beaches, there is now a lot that is starting to be revealed about Mozambique, especially its culture, its flavours, its people and its food. It was interesting to discover how one can mix the cultural aspects with sun and leisure activities,” said Ntshona.
INATUR DG Marco Vaz Dos Anjos presented a range of planned projects to tourism stakeholders gathered at the Fikani international trade fair in Maputo, including the $300 million Crusse and Jamali Islands Integrated Tourism Resort in Mozambique’s northerly Nampula Province. Earmarked for a 1 750-hectare special economic zone, the complex aims to make more than 500 rooms available in a variety of accommodation categories, ranging from five-star hotels to chalets and residential units.
Other investment opportunities include:
Inhambane Province: A $10 million investment in a 150-room resort planned for Vilanculos.
Rehabilitation of Hotel Inharossa at a cost of $7 million.
Zambezia Province: A $10 million investment in an eco-resort in Gilé National Park.
A $1 million investment in an eco-resort at the Munhamade hot springs.
Gaza Province: Modernisation of 12 guest houses in Bilene, at a cost of US$10 million.
Maputo Province: Construction of a 60-room resort at Ponta Dobela in Maputo National Park (cost yet to be determined).
Sofala Province: A $4 million investment in construction of an 18-bed fixed-tent campsite in Gorongosa National Park.
Manica Province: A $1.5 million investment in construction of a 12-bed fixed tent site in the Chimanimani Nature Reserve.
Cabo Delgado Province: An $8 million investment in an 80-100 room hotel planned in Pemba.
To facilitate ease of investment, government has also slashed the minimum amount required to apply for an investment visa from US$50 million to only US$500,000.
The validity period of the visa was also extended, to allow multiple entries and stays of up to two years for investment projects with a value equal to or greater than US$500,000, and five years for investment projects of a value equal to or greater than US$50 million or equivalent.
Ntshona said attributes such as the proximity to South Africa further enhanced Mozambique’s investment appeal for Dream Hotels & Resorts, which already operates the Bilene Club Resort in Gaza Province, along with a portfolio of 21 properties across South Africa.
“The proximity makes it easy to package offerings between South Africa and Mozambique. In my personal view, you want to invest in Mozambique now, before things become expensive. We are certainly looking forward to making an informed move once we identify and spot the right opportunities,” said Ntshona.
