Free zone for cruise tourism in Maputo port – AIM

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Free zone for cruise tourism in Maputo port – AIM

8:59 CAT | 12 Sep 2018

File photo: A Verdade

A free zone for cruise tourism is being developed in the port of Maputo, the Mozambican Minister of Culture and Tourism, Silva Dunduro, announced on Monday.

Speaking at a Forum on tourism in Maputo, Dunduro, cited in Tuesday’s issue of the independent daily “O Pais”, said the project is now under implementation.

“There are infrastructures ready, and in a few months’ time, I shall visit them”, the minister added.

Cruise liners, which usually start their journey in a South African port, already call at Maputo, but there are no special facilities at the port for the hundreds of tourists on board each ship. Dunduru said a dedicated port terminal is being built for the cruise ships, a restaurant for tourists, an art gallery, and a club that will hold jazz sessions and other cultural events.

Dunduru also promised “requalification” of three of the main tourist attractions in the southern province of Inhambane – the Tofo, Tofinho and Barra beaches. The scheme will involve investing 1.5 million meticais (about 25,000 US dollars) in building basic facilities for tourists and for the public at large.

The Minister added that there are other projects to develop the conservation areas in Inhambane to encourage “nature-based tourism” in the province.

Inhambane tourism operators welcomed the decision to requalify the beaches, and believed that such measures will help solve conflicts between tourist resorts and local communities.

The chairperson of the Association of Inhambane Tourist Operators, Jose da Cunha, said the requalification is welcome, but came very late.

“Right now, there is a lot of sound pollution affecting the businesses”, he said. “There is disorganisation in the area. It’s very urgent to correct these abuses”

Cunha called for establishing “a good environment between the tourism operators and the public”. It was also crucial to provide the local public with decent basic facilities, such as washrooms.

Source: AIM