“Between 2018 and 2022, the sector attracted over 1.1 billion dollars, making it the third largest recipient of investments in the country,” stated Onório Manuel during the opening of Mozambique’s first tourism summit held in Vilanculos, Inhambane province.
Onório Manuel highlighted that these figures demonstrate tourism is much more than leisure; it serves as a lever for economic development and the creation of decent jobs for communities.
According to the CTA head, Mozambique received an average of approximately two million tourists annually from 2016 to 2019, contributing to tourism representing 4.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 32% of service exports.
The Mozambican business group considers public-private partnerships the ideal engine to transform and energize Mozambique’s tourism by mobilizing resources for infrastructure, quality professional training, and air and road connectivity.
“The private sector is ready to do its part: invest, innovate, and collaborate, and it is crucial that public policies and financial instruments align with this common ambition,” he stated.
The private sector also advocates for digitalizing the tourism experience in Mozambique, a process that should include online promotion, electronic bookings, smart marketing, and integrated destination management, he added.
Mozambique’s revenue from foreign tourists exceeded 200 million euros in 2024, but the government aims to reach 360 million euros by 2029, with the sector’s contribution increasing to 6% of GDP, according to previous government information.
“Attracting major international events by positioning the country as an attractive destination for business and event tourism and other investments,” and “promoting tourist marketing mechanisms with a strong emphasis on the digital component” are among the priorities set by the government for the sector in the 2025-2029 Government Program.
