Mozambique: 89% Of Tourist reservations canceled in Bilene

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Mozambique: 89% Of Tourist reservations canceled in Bilene

1:22 CAT | 31 Dec 2024

FILE - Bilene beach, Mozambique. [File photo: Club Of Mozambique]

Today, nearly all hotels and accommodations in Bilene beach are without guests. Tourism managers report significant losses, with hundreds of jobs at risk. Bilene is also facing a fuel shortage and rising prices for essential food items.

Hotels, accommodations, restaurants, and streets that usually welcome national and international tourists during this festive period are “deserted.” This is an unusual sight for Bilene Beach, considered one of the preferred destinations for the holiday season in Gaza province.

The manager of Hotel Bilene, Mário Munhere, stated that all reservations were canceled, with customers demanding refunds. The same fate has affected CFM Resort and Platina Hotel. Altogether, over 85 tourism operators have been impacted.

Small boat operators, moto-taxi drivers, vendors, and tour guides describe unprecedented hardships in this once-bustling tourist hub.

The head of tourism at CTA in Bilene, Anieta Freitas, stated that the current losses exceed those recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. She warned that if the situation persists, more than 500 workers could lose their jobs.

“In reality, we have around 85 tourism operators employing about 1,000 people. Currently, we’ve lost about 80% of our production. In terms of reservation cancellations, we’re at 89%. We fear the worst scenario: if nothing changes, 50% of the staff could become unemployed.”

FOOD PRICE SPECULATION

Bilene is supplied from Vila da Macia, but recent looting has disrupted food replenishment. The limited stock available is being sold at inflated prices at the Central Market.

For example, products such as cooking oil, potatoes, flour, and rice have seen price increases ranging from 800 to 1,700 meticais. Two weeks ago, a crate of tomatoes cost 800 meticais; today, it is sold for 1,800 meticais. Cooking oil, previously priced at 550 meticais for 5 liters, has risen to 850 meticais. A 25-kilogram bag of rice, formerly 1,335 meticais, now costs 2,500 meticais.

FUEL CRISIS

The shortage of liquid fuel is another issue in Bilene. Of the two fuel stations available, only one is operational, with a limited stock of gasoline. Long lines form, but only a few manage to refuel their vehicles. This situation has led to unrest and opportunism.

“One liter of gasoline is being sold for 200 meticais. People buy the fuel and then resell it at higher prices,” said a local user.

Bilene’s tourism operators are deeply concerned about the situation, warning that many businesses in the sector may close if the disruption of activities continues due to the post-election protests.

Source: O País