Attraction All Inclusive : Towards Poverty Reduction through Tourism in Nampula

• Main Authors: Hagberg, Elin, Stenhoff, Anna
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Växjö universitet, Institutionen för samhällsvetenskap 2009
• Subjects: Tourism; Mozambique; Nampula; value-chain
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:vxu:diva-5692

This is an analysis of the potential for creating a sustainable value-chain for tourism in the Nampula province in northern Mozambique. Research for this analysis has been conducted both in Mozambique from a supply and community perspective and from the international demand level in Sweden. The study establishes that Nampula has the resources in the form of scenic landscapes, pristine beaches and a rich cultural and historical heritage that give ample potential to build a tourism industry. There are however, several obstacles that have to be overcome if the development of a tourism industry is to become reality. These obstacles include poor infrastructure, problems of marketing, a rather unvaried tourism supply, financial and monetary policy issues, low skills and knowledge, low integration of local production with the tourism sector, intricate bureaucracy, insufficient dialogue and socio- cultural issues.Analyses of international demand show a view of Mozambique as an expensive tourist destination with lower standards than competing destinations with similar price-levels. Marketing of tourism supply in Mozambique, and especially in Nampula, do not reach the international tourism market to any substantial degree and what actually does reach the market caters more for the luxury end.The most important conclusions drawn from this study are that substantial infrastructural development is needed on all levels and that there is a need to incorporate sustainable thinking within all measures and activities regarding tourism development. Furthermore, in order to attract larger volumes and different categories of tourists, diversification of tourist activities is required together with general improvements in standards of facilities and value-for-money. Regional cooperation and a wider focus on Nampula’s tourist-attracting opportunities such as culture-conscious tourism might help to create a local “trademark” and improve marketing options and possibilities. There is also need for increased access to basic education and information to facilitate the integration of local communities with the tourism sector. In addition, increased cross-sector coordination and dialogue are vital to an integrated and sustainable development of the tourism sector. For example, local agricultural development and improved distribution channels should not only be regarded as ends in themselves but also as beneficial towards the tourism industry – and vice versa.