UK-based tour operators said safety and security were still concerns when booking trips to Mozambique, despite the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) no longer advising against all but essential travel to the Sofala province. However, some operators have seen an increase in enquiries.
Vivian McCarthy, GM at Acacia Africa in London told Tourism Update that, since the lifting of the advisory, there has been an increase in demand and enquiries for Mozambique tours. However, the biggest challenge in selling the destination was to present Mozambique as an adventurous, accessible destination and to ensure clients continued to receive safety and security.
“We had people asking about the tours previously but with the warning imposed, obviously we could not consider operating through the affected area. Now the warning has been lifted, it means we can be more positive in our responses to our clients,” McCarthy said.
Acacia Africa reinstated all of its Mozambique tours after the FCO removed the advisory, as well as other operators.
Rob Ferguson from Real Africa, based in the UK, said although he had not seen an increase in demand for travel to Mozambique since the advisory was dropped, clients were beginning to enquire about the country as a beach extension to SA. “Previously it was always Mauritius, so as a destination it is slowly picking up traction.”
The strong pound had not made a difference in increasing demand for travel to Mozambique, said McCarthy. However, Ferguson believes that SADC countries are benefiting from the fact that East Africa is costed in US dollars and this, combined with the perceived terrorism threat, makes Southern Africa a better choice “that is bound to trickle down to boost Mozambique”.
Mozambique appealed to clients interested in adventure and, combined with Zimbabwe and the Kruger National Park, gave an all-round experience of wildlife, beach and cultural interest, said McCarthy.
Last month we asked our readers if they had experienced an increase in demand for travel to Mozambique after the advisory was dropped. While some, 27%, have seen an increase, the majority, 73%, said they had not.
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