The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported this Thursday, 25 July, that the tourism sector is experiencing rapid growth and recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total of 1.1 million international arrivals in 2023 compared to 878,000 in the same period in 2022.
Speaking during the panel on ‘Investment Opportunities in the Tourism Sector’ at the Arab-Mozambique Investment Forum, the advisor to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jeremias Manussa, explained that the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the same period was 4%. ‘As for the register of tourist enterprises, we currently have 8,252 registered nationwide and 248 travel agencies, of which only five work as tour operators, selling packages nationwide.’
The tourism sector is booming and recovering after the Covid-19 pandemic, with a total of 1.1 million international arrivals in 2023 compared to 878,000 in the same period in 2022
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Why invest in tourism in Mozambique? Jeremias Manussa pointed out that the country has a resilient economic development, given the favourable business environment. “There is a strong and clear relationship between the government and the private sector. In fact, last week we met here with the private sector to evaluate the Annual Conference of the Private Sector (CASP).
As for tourist attractions, we have a great advantage that sets us apart from neighbouring countries, because in less than 30 minutes we can enjoy the beach and wildlife,’ he said.
Tourist resort
He recalled that Mozambique has around 25 per cent of its territory in conservation areas. ‘We have a strategic location with the development corridors that connect the countries of the hinterland through port infrastructures such as Maputo, Beira and Nacala, thus feeding the three regions and making the interconnection between our country and the rest of the world,’ he pointed out, emphasising that the government has also adopted the electronic visa, the unilateral visa exemption for 29 countries, with the aim of promoting a greater flow of investment visas.
“In order to be more competitive with the region, we need to consider investments not only in physical infrastructure, but also in tourism support services. I’m talking about basic infrastructure, such as access roads, energy and sanitation in the main tourist destinations; development of human capital in the sector; training and skills recognition centres; health services such as clinics and tourist transport services such as boats, buses; sports and recreational activity services; equipment rental for tourist activities; and development of golf courses, among others,’ said Jeremias Manussa.
