The Development of Travel and Tourism in Mozambique - Dissertation Example

 The Development of Travel and Tourism in Mozambique Data Analysis Travel and tourism contribute immensely to the growth and development of the economy of Mozambique. The data analysis section of the essay focuses on facts about the current tourism situation, the future development of tourism, and the investment opportunities for tourism in Mozambique (Williams 2004, p. 54). The interviews were done in the offices of the Ministry of Tourism Av. 25 de Setembro, Maputo, Mozambique. According to Katia Momad, the assistant to the general management board, the State Tourism Authority of Mozambique came into being in 2008 to focus entirely on all aspects of tourism within the country (Williams 2004, p. 54). Momad manages a team to implement policy of the Government of Mozambique in respect of tourism. He holds a bachelor's degree in Travel and Tourism from a Spanish University and speaks Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Italian. The tourism authority used to impose a tourism levy that funded the promotion of tourism up until the mid 1990s. Meanwhile, the VAT superseded the tourism levy, thus the government of Mozambique allocated no specific funds to tourism even though funding was still accessible through allocations to the ministry. Since the inception of the general management board in 2008, the authority was being funded partly by the Government of Mozambique through the Council of Ministers and partially self-funded as a result of ventures with private companies both local and international (Williams 2004, p. 54). The authority has solid financial autonomy, making it easier for management board to venture in a broad range of tourism-oriented activities. The office of the assistant to the general management board controls all aspects of tourism. In addition, it liaises with all other government agencies to coordinate activities. It is also involved in providing amenities for tourists as well as promoting the country as a business hub and tourist destination. Furthermore, the board is very much participating in the sustainability of the tourism industry (Williams 2004, p. 54). The major aim of the State Tourism Authority is to preserve the integrity of the environment and make it viable for travel and tourism, and related activities. The authority consists of different departments that look into various aspects affecting the industry in general. As an overview, the board has a complete marketing department, quality control, finance, training, and development. The board concentrates on bringing together other government agencies so that they can together achieve set goals (Silva 2005). A typical case in point is the development of transport systems. Incidentally, Mozambique has more than 3,500 kilometers of coastline, bordering the Indian Ocean. Nevertheless, much of its vast coastline is inaccessible due to inadequate access. The primary focus and challenge is how to improve access to areas of natural beauty without destroying the environment. The board promotes traditional beach holidays. In addition, Mozambique is blessed with birdlife and wildlife. Furthermore, Mozambique has extensive areas of National Parks from the Limpopo National Park in the South, which borders on the Kruger National Park through the Central Gorongosa National Park up to the Niassa Lake Reserve and the Niassa Reserve (Silva 2005). Apparently, the Kruger National Park is far better known and marketed in South Africa. The Zambezi River, on the other hand, flows through the center of Mozambique to the Indian Ocean with all the attractions of the world's great rivers. Furthermore, Mozambique has a series of Islands in the North of the country that attract world prominent celebrities for unspoiled beauty water sports including fishing, diving, snorkeling and sailing (Silva 2005). The country has copious areas where potential tourists can clearly observe turtles, looking for an incredible variety of birdlife and even watch whales in the ocean. The climate in Mozambique is suited to all year round tourism - one of the competitive advantages of Mozambique tourism (Silva 2005). The country’s tourist seasons currently are December to January and July to August. These seasons are a feasible strategy that keeps the tourist sector occupied throughout the year. In the next ten years, tourism in Mozambique will undoubtedly become a major contributor to the country’s economy. The government will gain substantial revenues as a natural progression thanks to current marketing efforts, and the up scaling of the facilities and the relative political stability in Mozambique (Conrad & Buck 2008, p. 73). The uncertainties in some areas of the country have adversely affected tourism in the country though the political climate is generally fair. Discovery of vast quantities of Natural Gas offshore in the northern waters will arguably put the country on the world map and help it achieve world status (Conrad & Buck 2008, p. 73). The natural gas will not only attract business tourists but also create economic opportunities to fast track infrastructure projects and facility developments, as well as giving worldwide attention to the country in entirety. Most of the tourists visiting Mozambique are from South Africa. Apparently, Mozambique has major tourist links with their neighbors South Africa and focus on ensuring that the trend continues for the longest period (Conrad & Buck 2008, p. 73). Other countries within the African continent include Swaziland and Tanzania. Angola also contributes to the growth of travel and tourism in Mozambique thanks to the language and historical links. From Europe, Portugal is a major contributor to the tourism industry in Mozambique owing to historical and language ties (Conrad & Buck 2008, p. 73). The industry is currently targeting several other European countries. Chinese business tourists and holiday visitors are also increasingly thronging Mozambique as a result of the inward investment particularly in oil and gas and related infrastructure projects. Apart from the board’s commitment to attracting foreign tourists, it is also looking forward to attracting domestic tourists in the future. Many of the nationals travel abroad for holidays and other ventures take the much-needed investment out of the economy of Mozambique (Conrad & Buck 2008, p. 73). The board is today committed to taking tourism to the next level because it is a vital sector for economic growth and sustainability. The board and tourism ministry as a whole hope to learn from their past mistakes and slip-ups learned in other tourist destinations as well as build on the successes of others. According to Ana Loureiro, the Grading Control and Training Officer at the Mozambique Tourist Authority, the detailed knowledge of all the tourist amenities within Mozambique should be known to the authority and graded accordingly so as to uphold uniformity of standards. The authority has a grading system for all hotels and resorts and a regular check-up procedure so that it can be confident that the facilities they promote represent value and meet client expectations (BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific 2007). The authority is also involved in training on all aspects of travel and tourism industry in Mozambique from running full time courses with local universities to short training courses in quality management and customer service. In addition, the tourism authority plays an integral part in luring tourists to Mozambique and ensuring that they get what they expect and will go away as ambassadors for various products of the sector. Furthermore, training is an integral part of the mission, goals and objectives of Mozambique’s tourism industry (BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific 2007). The authority engages in empowerment locally to encourage managers to be from local communities as well as staff to be trained and employed locally. To achieve this goal, the authority strategizes to ensure that the country’s tourism sector is an all-round venture. Since it is currently seasonal, many of the local communities spend the better of the year with little or no income. Meanwhile, the authority is currently working in a number of areas to improve services rendered to prospective tourists coming to Mozambique. Business tourism, international and domestic, international tourism for leisure, and domestic tourism for leisure contribute the biggest portion of revenues to the state (Reynolds 2003, p. 80). In addition, the authority is trying to adapt facilities to cater for all the aforementioned tourist categories. The authority is also building and running small units of 8 to 16 rooms to cater for those with smaller budgets whether leisure or business tourists. It also seeks to ensure that restaurants and other services meet all budget ranges (Reynolds 2003, p. 80). It further provides adequate supply and get income to fund future projects thanks to active involvement of managers and key executives as partners or owners of accommodation and tourist services. The tourism authority contributes a significant portion of the investment in the travel and tourism sector. It also obtains government grants and own income to invest. The authority has access to microfinance. Private businesses can apply to the body for plans to upgrade facilities among other commercial activities (Reynolds 2003, p. 80). Loans at competitive interest rates are available up to 1,000,000 meticais £20,000 they aim to make up to 20 loans each year (Loureiro). Once applications are received they get vetted, and final decisions are made by a qualified jury to ensure that awards are given on merit. The micro financing in the travel and tourism sector has proven to be successful (Reynolds 2003, p. 80). The government, through the ministry of tourism, has successfully managed to upgrade private facilities and monitor the standards. It has specifically ventured in strategies that aim to improve capital investment by operators in the sector and improve the quality of services offered to prospective tourists. Katia Gaspar, the Tourism Development Officer, is committed to identifying tourism opportunities that meet demands of potential investors that are primarily acknowledged through Government Agencies and the marketing department. In addition, he takes part in the process of monitoring progress to bring ideas to fruition (Conrad & Buck 2008, p. 73). Part of the main strategies of the development officer is to convince about the potentialities of the sector and the future focus on improving services delivered to both local and foreign tourists visiting Mozambique. The Tourism Development Officer successfully graduated in South Africa with a degree in Travel and Tourism. Mozambique has a significant number of planning restrictions. The authority is well aware of the many tourist attractions and destinations involving areas of Natural Beauty, wildlife and flora and fauna that require adequate protection. The country has numerous National Parks and Reserves where restrictions virtually exist on building and development (Williams 2006, p. 54). For instance, the agency has embarked on the production of a promotional DVD in conjunction with the marketing department on investment opportunities. Marketing has enclosed it. As a government agency, the tourist authority has developed throughout Mozambique seven development areas of tourism. Incidentally, the agency has conducted studies in all the areas by experts on tourism, paying particular attention to sustain and retaining the environmental integrity of each area (Williams 2006, p. 54). Potential investors have a copy of the reports and commit to sticking to the laid down procedures and stipulations of the report. Investors may also opt to develop outside of the designated areas. However, they would have to pass proposals through the Environmental Institute and apply for a license. Potential investors would not meet the criteria for grants and incentives offered to foreign joint venture partners investing in the tourism industry (Williams 2006, p. 54). Development areas are situated across Mozambique and cover all the identified tourism opportunities within the country. Meanwhile, the agency focuses to maximize on virtually all development opportunities. They work closely with other government agencies to identify and develop opportunities. They also have a mandate to expand the industry in Mozambique. However, they must carry out the expansion in an efficient and sustainable way to avoid destroying the very asset that the agency and industry are promoting (Williams 2006, p. 54). This is arguably a delicate balance. The agency particularly works with the environmental agency and the transport ministry to attain all its development goals and initiatives. Lack of suitable roads has resulted in limited access to many of the attractions. In order to increase tourist numbers access needs to be enhanced to counter the influx (Williams 2006, p. 54). The tourism agency is on the verge of reformulating our amenities to cater for domestic tourists. The domestic market is a good way to preventing foreign exchange leakage at the same time as bolstering the national economy. Oil and gas have a substantial impact on the future development of tourism in Mozambique. Apparently, most of the findings have been offshore and gas. Gas does not present similar environmental risk to the ecosystem as oil thus from that perspective there is not too much concern. Obviously, there will be an influx of specialist skilled migrant workers. This will boost tourism and possibly put a strain on the existing facilities (Williams 2006, p. 54). Foreigners coming to Mozambique for the first time will be spreading the news about the potential, which could in turn increase the numbers of potential investors. This, therefore, could be positive. The actual infrastructure associated with the oil and gas industry is not pretty to look at and not easy to hide (Williams 2006, p. 54). Construction of these facilities onshore and by the ports could prove disruptive to travel and tourism. In general, there are pros and cons of oil and gas in relation to the future development of tourism in Mozambique. The tourism sector should exploit the advantages and manage the cons. All government departments are vastly involved in tourism and infrastructure decisions. Marta Lucas works in the marketing department of Mozambique Tourist Authority. The marketing department is categorically responsible for promoting Mozambique and her tourism sector domestically and internationally. To achieve the goal of promoting tourism, the authority liaises with travel agents domestically, produce marketing collateral, and attend travel fairs domestically and internationally (Briggs & Connolly 2014, p. 21). In addition, the authority makes recommendations on the feedback received from international forums. In a nutshell, the tourism agency is vastly involved in PR for the country and sector abroad. Mozambique has a broad range of selling points that have significantly played a part in developing tourism locally and across the globe. For instance, the country has a great climate, magnificent beaches and areas for water sports, snorkeling, and fishing. It also has great national parks and reserves with an incredible variety of wildlife, birdlife, flora and fauna. Despite Mozambique’s numerous selling points and remarkable successes in the past, the country and industry also face the downsides. For instance, the country is yet to secure a proper infrastructure to support mass tourism. In addition, the country and people of Mozambique have had political instability that has discouraged tourism. Hence, much of the work the agency does is to promote Mozambique as a nation rather than individual tourist venues (Briggs & Connolly 2014, p. 21). The agency is optimistic that the attractions of climate and beaches with the Indian Ocean will sell themselves despite the incessant political stability. Tourism sector in the country will definitely prosper in the near future. That is, the future looks bright for Mozambique and its tourism sector. Foreign investment is flowing through US Aid and World Development Bank as well large international companies looking forward to investing in this sector. Recommendations Travel and tourism is a major source of foreign investment and one of the fastest growing industries in Mozambique. It is also an important source of employment for thousands of the people of Mozambique. Despite the remarkable successes of the sector, critics often scrutinize it in terms of environmental, economic, cultural and societal impacts (Briggs & Connolly 2014, p. 21). In particular, tourism negatively impacts the ecosystem, cultural heritage, and indigenous societies. The sector could positively or negatively impact society depending on the government through the tourism agency plans, develops and manages the industry. The agency should focus more on developing sustainable tourism by putting in place strategies that minimize the negative impacts and promote positive outcomes. Sustainable tourism development entails acknowledging the fact that implementation of the sector’s vision would require an integrated open-ended process (Briggs & Connolly 2014, p. 21). The agency would have to engage businesses, environmentalists, international organizations, investors, and consumers of tourism products or services at all levels. The agency should mainly involve the aforementioned stakeholders in future tourism planning, tourism investment, tourism marketing/promotion, capacity building, tourism operations, and monitoring of tourism development. Mozambique’s tourism agency should also facilitate the integration of sustainable tourism planning into local and national development plans. These development plans will strengthen actions on the ground and build the needed resources and skills more efficiently. The agency should incorporate governance mechanisms; stakeholders’ involvement and public policies into the framework already outlined in the local and national tourism development plan (Briggs & Connolly 2014, p. 21). It should further develop structures to enhance a participatory process involving different stakeholders. For instance, local communities should have a say in the way the government through its tourism agency develops and manages the sector. The agency should connect tourism planning to the recommended policies for sustainable development. Furthermore, the agency should use globally recognized standards for sustainable travel and tourism. In the same way, key stakeholders and actors in the sector should always participate actively in implementing various processes and initiatives that promote development of tourism in Mozambique. Similarly, players in the industry should adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their investments (Briggs & Connolly 2014, p. 21). For instance, the agency should invite traditional investors to strengthen their commitments to responsible investments since actors responsible for promoting sustainable practices. Tools of new financial and economic approaches will enable decision makers to identify and build sustainable investments. Moreover, the agency should work closely with other actors in the sector to educate, inform, and work collaboratively. Key management changes Apart from Mozambique’s tourism authority, the government should further create a tourism workforce whose primary role would be to become a global leader in education and training on tourism matters (Sharma & Christie 2010, p. 282). Tourism marketing and promotion strategies should start focusing on the idea of sustainability as a primary option for tourism development. The tourism agency, through its promotion tools, should emphasize sustainability to influence consumer choices (Sharma & Christie 2010, p. 282). On the other hand, the authority should encourage consumers to use locally developed tourism products and services. Consumers of tourism products should evaluate the socio-cultural, economic and environmental implications of their choices/decisions. Justifying the recommendations Plans play an integral part in preserving destination values essentially by outlining processes to monitor change and evaluate opportunities and threats. They will also permit response from public and private leaders on fundamental values (Sharma & Christie 2010, p. 282). On the other hand, planning will address the potential impacts (adverse impacts) of tourism operations property and land prices, as well as consequent evolution of ownership patterns. In addition, it provides vital opportunities to build constituency engagement and community, as well as to better understand the changing social conditions, local values, and expectations. Consumption of local tourism products will not only help in generating local employment but also in supporting various initiatives for infrastructural and social development of the country, including health, sanitation, and education. Meanwhile, the agency will minimize conflicts by involving local communities, as well as developing ownership and a sense of responsibility. Moreover, the agency should identify the country’s high-potential areas and destinations for active investment. It should particularly undertake a national campaign that mainly targets potential investors in the industry (Sharma & Christie 2010, p. 282). It should also transform the country’s attractions to bring them up to the standards of global leaders in tourism. Mozambique tourism industry should increase online booking and e-marketing thus making it easier for tourists to book accommodation on time and visit attractions. Conclusion Mozambique has a unique geographical location and a tremendous natural tourism potential. It is high time the government and tourism sector in Mozambique worked together toward developing tourism and fostering economic growth. For instance, the tourism agency should fully execute its mandate of setting targets, establishing regions, opening industry doors, and regularizing destination promotion or marketing fees (Sharma & Christie 2010, p. 282). Mozambique should set its sights on becoming the world’s most preferred tourist destinations. The country has the potential as well as the essential elements to be a leading destination regionally and internationally. Similarly, the state should establish travel and tourism regions for purposes of better coordination and management of tourism across Mozambique. It should also work toward creating a stellar experience and a unique brand. A standardized destination promotion/marketing fees will help support management efforts and the expanded tourism marketing regionally (Sharma & Christie 2010, p. 282). The authority should further advocate for the government of Mozambique to reduce barriers to entry into the country, enhance access to international markets, and generally make it much easier for foreign tourists to get to Mozambique. The tourism agency should also put in place new standards for success to become competitive globally. For instance, it should encourage leadership, modernize regulations, establish quality and service standards, and develop tourism workforce (Williams 2004, p. 54). A sustained and visible commitment from political leadership and industry players will help travel and tourism in the country to fulfill its potential as the world’s most preferred destination and a major contributor to the economy. The government should work closely with the industry players and stakeholders to identify, eliminate, or reduce key impediments. The industry, on the other hand, should start adopting a service quality procedure or strategy to encourage a service culture and meet the expectations of most tourists for outstanding service standards (Williams 2004, p. 54). Meanwhile, the government and the tourism agency should maximize the effect of public and private tourism investments on both revitalized and new tourism products/services across the country. For example, the government should invest in infrastructure development to ease movements in and out of existing attractions and high-draw areas. References BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 2007, Sep 08. Mozambique becomes official Chinese tourist destination. pp. 1. Briggs, P., & Connolly, S. (2014). Mozambique: the Bradt travel guide. pp. 21 Conrad, R., & Buck, M. (2008). Trends and issues in global tourism 2009. Berlin, Springer. pp. 73 Kellough, J. E. (1998). Reliability, validity, and the MV index: Toward the clarification of some fundamental issues. 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