Tourism in Mozambique, one of the strategic sectors for the national economy, is facing one of its biggest crises, marked by mass cancellations, investor retrenchment and a profound impact on its international image. The demonstrations that erupted after the election period have created an environment of insecurity, blockades and acts of vandalism, which have threatened the progress made by the country in recent years.
‘These demonstrations are catastrophic for tourism,’ said Muhammad Abdullah, head of the Hotel, Catering and Tourism department at the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA).
In an interview with Diário Económico, Abdullah described a worrying scenario in which several hotels have suspended their activities and emblematic tourist destinations, such as Vilankulo and the islands, have started to register mass cancellation requests. In addition, in Maputo, four cruise ships have cancelled their calls, which shows the growing distrust among tourists.
According to preliminary figures presented by Abdullah, the financial losses have already reached around 500 million meticals, as a result of cancelled bookings and requests for refunds.
‘Tour operators are facing an avalanche of cancellations and changes to itineraries, which is seriously compromising the sustainability of companies in the sector,’ he explained. This financial impact, however, is just the tip of the iceberg.
For Abdullah, the most worrying thing is the decline in the country’s position as an international tourist destination. ‘We’re going back, I’d say, 15 years in terms of Mozambique’s ranking on international tourism radars,’ he lamented.
He also warned that the crisis is deeply affecting the confidence of investors, both domestic and foreign. ‘The problem is not just the demonstrations themselves, but the acts of violence, vandalism and blockades that occur during these protests. This environment of insecurity and uncertainty results in a total loss of confidence on the part of investors,’ he emphasised.
“Tourist traffic in Mozambican hotels grew by 21.7 per cent in the third quarter of this year, surpassing 130,000 guests by September.In the same period, air transport of passengers and cargo increased by 15.5 per cent and 6.0 per cent respectively compared to the previous year”
National Statistics Institute (INE)
The crisis comes at a particularly delicate time, since the sector had been showing signs of recovery and growth. Figures released this Thursday (19) by the National Statistics Institute (INE) show that tourist traffic in Mozambican hotels grew by 21.7% in the third quarter of this year, surpassing 130,000 guests by September. In the same period, air passenger and cargo transport increased by 15.5 per cent and 6.0 per cent respectively compared to the previous year.
Despite this positive performance, the current scenario jeopardises not only recent gains but also medium-term growth potential. ‘This situation has already damaged our country’s image. It’s a stain that will have to be worked hard to remove from the minds of international tourists once security and stability are restored,’ said Abdullah.
In an effort to minimise the damage and reassure tourists, the government, through the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula, assured that the main tourist destinations remain safe and fully operational.
‘The demonstrations occurred in a localised way, mainly in urban areas, while popular tourist destinations, such as parks, national reserves, beaches and coastal regions, remain safe, unchanged and open to normal activities,’ the minister assured in a statement.
In addition, Materula stressed that airports and land border posts are operating normally, allowing tourists to reach their destinations during the festive season. However, she recognised the apprehension of many visitors, particularly those who had already booked, due to the strikes and stoppages.
Muhammad Abdullah – Head of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism at the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA)
While the government tries to allay the fears of tourists, the human costs of the crisis continue to grow. According to the Decide Electoral Platform, at least 130 people have died since the demonstrations began on 21 October, while 385 have been injured by gunfire. These figures underline the seriousness of the situation and the need for an urgent political solution.
Presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, for his part, described the moment as decisive for the future of Mozambique. ‘The proclamation of the results of the general elections by the Constitutional Council, scheduled for 23 December, will be decisive. This date will tell whether Mozambique moves towards peace or chaos,’ he warned.
In the midst of this uncertain scenario, Muhammad Abdullah reinforced the CTA’s call for dialogue between the political players. ‘All we can do is sensitise those who have the right to do so. The big question is: how difficult will it be to regain the confidence of tourists?’ he concluded.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
