The Tourism Industry in Mozambique 2024

Challenges

High operational costs driven by high electricity and water charges. High percentage of imported goods and services utilised by the tourism industry. High security risk particularly in the north. Hotel room rates particularly for international brands are higher than other regional cities. Lack and shortage of skilled personnel. Lack of internationally-recognised, high quality beach resorts in the coastal areas. Lack of mid-market accommodation facilities. Lack of reliable industry data. Lack of research and development initiatives. Limited road connections to tourist areas from the main highways. Mozambique is exposed to frequent cyclones and climate change. Poor transport infrastructure. Poor visitor perception based on concerns of security, and weather safety.

Introduction

Mozambique’s tourism industry recovered strongly in 2023, and arrivals are expected to rise sharply by 2025, although to levels nowhere near the pre- pandemic period. Growth is expected to be supported by economic initiatives, streamlined visa processes, sustainable tourism, an increase in flight destinations and demand for business travel. Top source countries for international tourist arrivals were South Africa, Zimbabwe, Portugal, the US and the UK. The industry’s growth continues to be limited by poor transport infrastructure, limited access to electricity, and security and weather safety concerns.

Opportunities

Developing new road infrastructure for tourism and improving feeder roads to tourism sites. Further airport developments and expansion in key tourism areas. Growing travel demand in business and domestic tourism segments. Investments in passenger rail infrastructure targeting main tourist areas. Potential growth in the ecotourism market.

Outlook

Mozambique’s GDP growth is forecast at over 5% from 2024 onwards, driven by mining and agriculture. Investments in gas are expected to increase, and potential revenues will aid Mozambique’s diversification plan, with travel and tourism being a key priority sector. Tourism growth is forecast to continue to recover from 2024 onwards. The government’s goal is for Mozambique to become a top tourism hub through the promotion of cultural and natural heritage, elevating grading and classification standards, crafting attractive tourist routes, integrating information and communication technologies and attracting and nurturing investment opportunities with the tourism sector. Growth will be underpinned by streamlined visa processing, sustainable tourism and community development and a portfolio of diverse attractions. The increase in flight routes from regional and international destinations and the untapped meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector will further present growth opportunities.

Report Coverage

This report focuses on the current state and outlook of tourism industry in Mozambique including attractions, accommodation, tour operators and travel agencies. It includes information on the sector’s contribution to the economy, tourism investments and employment, air transport, recent developments, including gas discoveries, and investment opportunities, notable players and corporate actions. There are profiles of 14 companies including international players such as Hilton, Intercontinental and Minor International, travel operators such as Simara Travel & Tours and Safaris de Mocambique, Mabeco Tours, national parks such as Gorongosa and national airline LAM.

Trends

The removal of visa requirements for 29 countries driving increase in tourists’ arrivals. Discovery of oil and gas deposits driving demand for air transport and accommodation in areas near to discoveries. Hotels are increasing or upgrading meetings, conferencing, and events capacity. Increase in tourism investment. Increasing number of tourists arrivals and the trend is forecast to continue. Increasing tourism sector contribution to GDP. Meetings and conferencing industry is still developing, and there has been an increase in the number of international conferences hosted in Mozambique, Rehabilitation of infrastructure that connects major tourism zones. Restocking of wildlife in the national parks and game reserves. The government has identified priority destinations for further investment and development of integrated tourism.