Mozambique lost half of tourism revenues due to Covid-19

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Mozambique lost half of tourism revenues due to Covid-19

8:32 CAT | 29 Sep 2021

FILE - Illustrative photo. [File photo: Noticias]

Revenues from international tourism in Mozambique stood at around 25.74 million US dollars, which represents a drop of around 51.5 percent compared to the same period in 2020.

Minister Eldevina Materula justified the decrease in revenue due to the outbreak of Covid-19, considering that the pandemic had a huge social and economic impact, with tourism being the most penalised economic sector, not only in the country, but also in the world. in general.

According to the minister, since the outbreak of the pandemic, the tourism sector registered the closure of 31 percent of tourist establishments, in a universe of 6,708, affecting 27 percent of a universe of 69,178 workers.

Speaking on Monday in Niassa province, as part of the celebrations of World Tourism Day, the minister also explained that, aware of the need to revitalize tourism, the government adopted measures to stimulate the recovery and growth of the sector and the economy, among them the opening of theatres, cinemas, swimming pools, beaches and the extension of the opening hours of restaurants.

“However, we reiterate that these measures do not mean the end of the pandemic. On the contrary, they call us to greater responsibility in the full and scrupulous compliance with sanitary measures”, she said.

Etelvina Materrula emphasised that, despite the setback caused by the pandemic, the sector continues to register great achievements, including the recent election of Mozambique to member of the Executive Board of the World Tourism Organization for the 2021-2025 period .

“This achievement represents a unique opportunity for post-Covid-19 recovery, because it opens up good prospects for influencing decisions that prioritise projects and investments for Africa and Mozambique, in particular,” she said.

She also stated that as part of the promotion of its potential, Mozambique is preparing to participate in Expo Dubai 2020, with the Culture and Tourism week scheduled to take place from the 14th to the 20th of November.

“Expo Dubai 2020 expects to receive 190 countries and Mozambique will be the only one with a themed week. Considering the great potential that we present, such as the diversity of remarkable natural and cultural resources, as well as its wealth in history/ heritage and unique tourist attractions in the region, we encourage the participation of economic agents and the private sector in general, in this event”, she stressed.

Source: Noticias