Inhambane, a gem in southern Mozambique, has seen a remarkable surge in investment in its hotel and tourism sector over the past five years, with a staggering $597 million (37.7 billion meticais) directed towards 197 approved projects, according to Noticias
Among these projects is the ambitious “FARUHAR Mozambique,” approved in 2023, which is underway in the districts of Massinga and Vilankulo. This project alone boasts a budget of approximately $500 million and is set to create 690 new jobs, promising to make a significant impact on the local economy.
These investment figures were highlighted at the 2nd edition of the Provincial Tourism Forum, which focused on exploring the potential of Mozambique’s tourism industry, especially in Inhambane. The forum also addressed challenges such as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a reduction in tourism-related enterprises from 799 in 2019 to 735 in 2022—a 9% drop. However, there is a hopeful recovery on the horizon, with employment in the sector rebounding to 6,926 jobs by mid-2024.
Governor Eduardo Sebastião Mussanhane stressed the need to further boost tourism to enhance its economic benefits, while Leigh Davis, vice-president of the Hotel and Tourism Association of Inhambane province (AHTPI), highlighted issues such as unreliable flights with Mozambican President (LAM), and the need for improved infrastructure and streamlined visa and payment processes. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for sustaining the growth and positive impact of tourism in the region.
The Inhambane Tourism Association is committed to supporting this growth and ensuring that both tourists and local businesses benefit from the flourishing tourism sector.
