The tourism sector in Gaza Province generated 923 million meticais in the first half of the current year, compared to over 967 million meticais in the same period last year. The revenues came from taxes and fees paid by operators providing accommodation, restaurants, dance halls, and other activities.
According to the provincial director of Culture and Tourism, Rossana Muataco, the drop in revenues was due to disruptions caused by post-election protests in the country, which affected security and the movement of people and goods.
She said that during the first quarter, the province recorded 143,652 tourist arrivals, of which 121,620 were domestic and 22,032 foreign, compared to 147,351 tourists in the same period last year, including 33,785 foreigners.
In February, a total of 94 hospitality and tourism establishments declared intentions to file for bankruptcy in Bilene district, one of Gaza’s main tourist destinations, due to ongoing unrest, local authorities reported, stressing that the resorts were unable to meet their obligations.
Muataco shared these figures in Xai-Xai during the launch of World Tourism Week, which this year is being held under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” She explained that the theme is a call to action for tourism that contributes to sustainable development, strengthens local communities, and preserves cultural heritage.
“This week, we want to celebrate not only the sector’s achievements but also reflect on the transformative power of tourism, which goes far beyond leisure and entertainment,” Muataco said.
According to her, tourism-based sustainability is not limited to protecting the environment, forests, beaches, and nature reserves, but also involves fair distribution of benefits, strengthening host communities, and valuing cultural exchange.
Gaza Province currently has 320 tourism establishments, including 208 accommodation facilities and 112 restaurants. These establishments offer 3,766 rooms, 7,988 beds, 3,385 tables, and 17,120 chairs, providing 3,552 direct jobs in the sector.
Source: Jornal Notícias
