Increased unrest, kidnappings and an attack on a tourist resort have made Mozambique less attractive as a destination for tourists, according to inbound tour operators.
Earlier this month, IOL reported that armed robbers attacked guests at the Casa Lisa resort, 50km north of Maputo. One family of three managed to flee the resort but one woman was raped and other tourists were tied up and assaulted.
Last year, kidnappings targeting the children of wealthy local families and foreigners were reported alongside intensified clashes between rebel group Renamo and the army. Following these reports, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued an advisory against all but essential travel to Sofala Province, with the exception of the provincial capital, Beira.
Barbara Kühn, GM of Mozambique Voyages, told Tourism Update the attack at Casa Lisa was an isolated incident that was not related to the current political unrest. She added that the country did not have a history of attacks on tourists.
Kühn said she had not had any cancellations for travel to Mozambique. However, she said reports of violence would impact tourism to the country in the long and short term. “Sadly this will also affect areas that are still perfectly safe for tourism.”
“We have had a couple of cancellations to coastal resorts based on an overall perception of safety and security in Mozambique,” said Craig Smith, Founding Director of New Frontiers Tours, adding that there were also a number of cancellations to Gorongosa after it was declared a no-go area.
According to Smith, the company has seen fewer bookings for Mozambique over the last year. According to him, the reports of civil unrest, kidnappings and safety issues have negatively affected Mozambique as a destination. He said other issues that have also had a negative impact included a lack of clarity on whether tourism visas could be acquired on arrival; the closure of a number of lodges in the Bazaruto/Benguerra area; and unreliable service from LAM, the national airline.
“We have seen an increase in interest to Malawi and Mauritius as a result,” said Smith.
