Leading southern African tourism associations have encouraged travellers to postpone, rather than cancel, their trips to Mozambique amid post-election protests and a nationwide strike mainly affecting urban areas.
The demonstrations arose from allegations of vote-rigging after the country’s general elections on October 9. Opposition party leader Venâncio Mondlane called for the public to embark on a week-long strike and demonstrations from Thursday, October 31.
A tour operator who spoke to Tourism Update on condition of anonymity said banks and shopping centres in the capital city of Maputo were closed on Thursday and Friday but the international airport and border crossings appeared to be functioning normally. No incidents of violence were reported.
In a memo to its members, ATTA confirmed that all accommodation suppliers, resorts and airports were operating normally.
Gavin Louw, Sales Manager at Azura Retreats, told Tourism Update there was “zero impact” on the majority of the country’s popular tourist areas.
“Mozambique is a country with a range of amazing tourism hotspots – most of these are situated far away from the main cites where political rallies happen.”
He stressed the need to avoid painting the entirety of Mozambique with one brush – a country with a coastline that stretches more than 2 700km from north to south.
“To put it into perspective, that’s similar to the distance between Montreal, Canada, and the tip of Miami in the USA,” the operator said. “The biggest misconception about Mozambique is that it is a small country. Issues in Maputo have zero impact on the Bazuruto Archipelago region where we are situated.”
Travel cancellations ‘premature’
“Now is the time to postpone, not cancel, your Mozambique travel plans,” said SATSA CEO David Frost in a joint press statement with southern African DMO Africa’s Eden.
"While we always put traveller safety first, cancelling trips outright is premature and could unnecessarily impact this incredible destination. This approach not only protects travellers' holiday investments but also demonstrates solidarity with our regional tourism partners during challenging times.”
Africa’s Eden CEO Jillian Blackbeard emphasised that the country remains one of Africa’s most compelling destinations.
“Any disruption will likely be temporary. By postponing rather than cancelling trips, we can help protect the livelihoods of thousands of tourism workers and their families while ensuring our clients don't miss out on experiencing this remarkable destination.”
Africa’s Eden has urged members across southern Africa to work closely with their Mozambican partners to secure flexible rebooking terms for affected travellers, said Blackbeard.
SATSA and Africa’s Eden advised travellers intending to cross into Mozambique by car to confirm the status of the border posts, exercise increased caution, monitor local news and official communications, and maintain flexible itineraries.
UK travel advisory updated
The UK’s travel advisory for Mozambique, updated on October 30 and currently still in effect, warns of an increasingly high risk of protests and demonstrations at short notice.
“In Mozambique, demonstrations and protests can be unpredictable, and even peaceful protests may turn violent. Pay attention to your surroundings, stay away from crowds, monitor local media and be prepared for disruptions to services and transport nationwide.”
On October 24, Mozambique’s electoral commission declared Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo the winner of the elections with 71% of the vote. Mondlane and the opposition Podemos party demanded a recount.
Government authorities have been slammed for their harsh crackdown on ensuing demonstrations, which led to at least 10 deaths and disruption of internet access countrywide.
