The President of Mozambique announced that the volume of tourist and investor arrivals in the country has increased by 254% this year compared to the same period in 2025. He attributed this growth to the results of reforms aimed at stimulating the tourism sector.
Speaking at the opening of the second edition of the Mozambique Tourism Summit in the Inhambane province, in the south of the country, Daniel Chapo recalled that a year ago, during the first summit, the Government committed to making tourism one of the key drivers of economic diversification and job creation in the country.
The head of state noted: 'Currently, in terms of the volume of arriving passengers, foreigners, investors, and tourists in Mozambique, we have exceeded the indicator by more than 254% compared to the same period last year.'
According to the ruler, the achieved results are a consequence of measures implemented in recent months to facilitate visitor entry and attract investment. These measures include the introduction of an electronic visa platform and the creation of the so-called 'Visa Gold' program designed to attract foreign investors.
Chapo also highlighted the establishment of the National Agency for Tourism Development and Investment (Anditur), which replaced the old National Institute of Tourism (Inatur), as well as the creation of the Special Tourism Economic Zone of the Southern Corridor, which includes the destinations of Vilanculo, Pemba, and Inhassoro in the same province.
The President argued that Inhambane was chosen as the main center for national tourism development, which should serve as a model for promoting sector growth in other regions of the country. He compared this to how tourists travel to Bali to visit Indonesia, or to Cape Town to visit South Africa, asserting that Mozambique needs such a focal point for tourism development.
Chapo insisted that betting on tourism is particularly relevant in the context of the country's desire to reduce dependence on mineral and energy resources, as this sector has a more sustainable potential for wealth generation. He stated that resources such as gas, coal, graphite, and heavy sands will eventually run out, but tourism in Mozambique, thanks to its location and proximity to the Indian Ocean, will never be depleted.
The head of state also pointed out that tourism can stimulate other types of economic activity through the integration of local suppliers into value chains related to tourism enterprises. According to his explanation, the goal is to strengthen ties between the city of Vilanculo, one of the tourist attractions in Inhambane, and other tourist centers in South Africa.
Furthermore, the President announced Mozambique's plans to host the Global Tourism Forum in 2027. This initiative will be organized in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (OMT) and the Global Tourism Institute.
Chapo reported that the Government presented a portfolio of 40–50 tourism projects for investors at the Mozambique Tourism Summit, including 25 structured projects for financing and partnerships. Among the initiatives listed are the development of the Vilanculo waterfront, expansion of airport infrastructure, and new elite tourism projects in Massingire and the Bazaruto archipelago.
In conclusion, the head of state stated that Mozambique must compete not only with the beauty of its beaches and landscapes but also with the quality of the tourist experience, cultural authenticity, and level of trust provided to international investors.
