Mozambique’s tourism industry has taken a knock after travel advisories and negative media reports, but the country’s stakeholders believe change is nigh.

Numbers are slowly increasing for Mozambique after the destination saw a drop in visitors as a result of safety concerns and travel advisories introduced by countries such as the US and UK. This is according to industry stakeholders who say they now expect demand to increase.

Although the violent incidents – which saw attacks on vehicles in the Sofala province and daily military convoys – were restricted to a specific area, tourists have been hesitant to visit other parts of the country. “Travellers are hesitant to visit a destination where there is perceived risk,” says Michele Abraham, Marketing Communications Manager – South Africa for Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spa, adding that there has been a drop in business from the South African and international market as a result.

According to Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours, some tourists postponed their entire trips while others only cancelled visits to the affected area in Sofala province. “The troubled areas where convoys were taking place was a stretch of road approximately 100km long, yet the travel advisories referred to the country as a whole, which was a great pity,” she adds.

Vicente Simango, Rooms Division and Hotel Assistant Manager at Polana Serena Hotel, says the travel advisories as well as media reports about political instability and kidnappings have had a negative impact on the past 18 months or so. However, he says this is no longer the case as demand levels have improved.

In September, Mozambican President, Armando Guebuza, and Renamo leader, Afonso Dhlakama, ratified a peace deal, which is expected to end the low-level warfare between the party and the government. Tenzer-Silva believes there is no longer any cause for concern as a result of this. “General elections are set for October 15 and, with Renamo back in the running for elections, we anticipate no problems whatsoever,” she says, adding that she anticipates the lodges will fill up soon.

This is echoed by Jeremy Clayton, GM at White Pearl Resorts. “With the end of the travel advisories at hand, we are forecasting a 20%-plus pick-up in occupancy year-on-year, especially for the properties in the south that have always had a great level of safety and service.”

Lize Cullinane, head of AfricaStay’s Mozambique Department, says there was a definite decrease in bookings throughout Mozambique, with Easter being one of the quietest in many years, with lodges struggling to fill their beds. She says corrupt police officials and negative press were huge contributing factors to the drop in self-drives to Mozambique. “This, however, has abated due to stringent measures taken at a meeting with the tourism office and the authorities in July. This, paired with the truce between Frelimo and Renamo, will hopefully see bookings pick up, especially in the quieter periods. December so far is booming,” she adds.

‘Come and see for yourself’ is the message most want to send out to tour operators who still have concerns over selling the destination. Clayton says: “Come to Mozambique and evaluate the experience for yourself. There is no doubt that the economy and business of Mozambique is growing exponentially. The untouched paradise is here and is easily accessible by land and air in a safe five-star environment.”

Abraham advises tour operators to do research and educate themselves on the destination. “Request site visits to personally experience the destination so you are able to positively promote and answer honestly any queries regarding the safety of the destination.”

For some operators it’s all systems go. John Ridler, Media and Public Relations Manager for Cullinan Outbound Tourism, says the reports of violence had an impact on the first quarter of this year but says there has been a slow increase in demand and some positive feedback from clients. “Most of the areas we focus on were not affected by violence. We are still actively promoting Vilanculos, Inhambane, Tete, Bazaruto Island, Benguerra Island, Pemba and Maputo City,” he says.

According to Raymond Wilson, Sales and Marketing Manager – Mozambique & South Africa for Pestana Hotels and Resorts, Mozambique is taking a turn for the better. While he admits that any traveller should be well informed and avoid basic security risks, he says Mozambique is Africa’s fourth-safest country and that there are no causes for major concern.

Tenzer-Silva says that not only is Mozambique a safe destination, it is unique, offering breath-taking scenery. “Take time to explore more options for your clients – the north has so much to offer. Mozambique need not be a simple five-night add-on to one of the archipelagos. It is a destination in itself and you should be sending your guests here for a two-week trip of a lifetime,” she says.