International tourist arrivals to Mozambique are expected to reach up to 70% of 2019 levels by the end of 2022, as the country implements a number of measures to restore tourism and investor confidence in the emerging destination.
Tourism development initiatives are being guided by the Strategic Plan for the Development of Tourism 2016-2025, which seeks to “make Mozambique one of the most vibrant, dynamic and exotic tourist destinations in Africa by 2025”.
Industry discussions and engagements were intensified at the country’s international tourism fair, Fikani, which took place in Maputo from October 12-15, attracting over 5 000 suppliers, buyers, investors and government representatives.
Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, who in August launched a set of post-COVID economic stimulus measures, including tourism and investment initiatives, said international tourist arrivals were expected to reach between 55% and 70% of 2019 levels by end of this year. Nyusi highlighted that accommodation and catering establishments had collected over MZN844 million (US$13.2 million) in the first quarter of 2022, an 18.4% rise over the same period last year.
“Obviously, these numbers still do not satisfy us, which is why, with a view to raising production and productivity in the strategic sectors in which tourism is a part, we launched the Economic Acceleration Measures Programme, in which tourism is covered. In this mission we are all invited to do our best to transform tourism into a catalyst for the diversification of the national economy,” said Nyusi.
Improving ease of travel and business
Tourism- and investment-related measures in the economic stimulus package include the establishment of tax incentives for new investments, and visa changes that include the waiver of visas for 72 countries. The expected launch of an e-Visa system before the end of the year will also promote ease of travel to the country.
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture is also developing an Integrated Platform for Tourism Management, based on the pillars of tourism destination management, co-ordinated involvement of tourism stakeholders and the use of technological tools.
Participation on the world stage
Mozambique was elected to the UNWTO’s Executive Board for the African Region in 2021, a move that has strengthened the country’s presence on the world tourism stage.
“The UNWTO has placed a vote of confidence in us, which has strengthened our relationship, and the results are being felt through the support of the preparation of brochures, training, and the promise of the Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili’s visit to Mozambique in 2023,” said Nyusi.
He added that the country had been on a “relentless pursuit” to attract visitors from top source markets, through participation in international tourism expos such as the International Tourism Fair in Berlin, the Lisbon Tourism Exchange, the World Tourism Fair in France, the Madrid International Tourism Fair in Spain, Indaba in South Africa and Expo Dubai.
“The role of our Diplomatic missions abroad was also capitalised on through the distribution of awareness on the relevance of leveraging the tourism industry, with a focus on the embassies in Algeria, Botswana, France, the Netherlands, Russia, USA and Qatar,” Nyusi said.
Other notable tourism developments have included the establishment of the Triland Route with South Africa and eSwatini (Swaziland), private-sector partnerships to promote domestic tourism, and the launch of the Visit Mozambique destination marketing online portal.
“Our country has been gradually positioning itself as a tourist destination of relevance at regional and international level. We appeal to all stakeholders, tour operators and service providers related to tourism, to do their best in disseminating the tourist potential of our beautiful Mozambique,” said Nyusi.
