Vilankulo, in Inhambane province, is hosting the second edition of the Mozambique Tourism Summit on Thursday and Friday, 5 and 6 November, with around 800 participants expected, including investors, tourism operators and government officials. The provincial government is hoping to attract new investment in the hospitality sector and golf tourism, according to the newspaper O País.

On the eve of the opening, Inhambane governor Francisco Pagula said approximately 80% of participants had already arrived in the city and confirmed that all logistical conditions for the event were in place.

According to the governor, the conference was already stimulating the local economy, particularly in tourist accommodation.

“All guesthouses in Vilankulo are fully booked, which shows that the local economy will also benefit,” he said.

Among the provincial government’s expectations are investments from major international hotel brands and in infrastructure dedicated to golf tourism. Pagula noted investor interest in these segments but did not disclose figures or any commitments that might be announced during the summit.

“All guesthouses in Vilankulo are fully booked, which shows that the local economy will also benefit” — Francisco Pagula

From Santa Carolina to nature tourism

The governor highlighted the tourism project associated with Santa Carolina island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, which was presented at the first edition of the summit. Valued at more than US$100 million, the development is, according to Pagula, in the final stages of administrative and documentary procedures. A scale model of the project is expected to be presented during the conference.

The province also intends to promote the construction of lodges in Zinave National Park, bringing nature tourism in the interior closer to the coastal destinations of Vilankulo and Bazaruto. Poor road access continues, however, to limit the tourism potential of that conservation area.

Air connectivity is another key theme at the summit. Solenta Aviation has scheduled the launch of regular flights between Maputo and Vilankulo for Thursday, with three weekly frequencies.

“One of the major challenges we face at the level of Inhambane province in developing our tourism is precisely the air connectivity component,” Pagula acknowledged.

To facilitate the establishment of new tourism developments, the provincial government is identifying land with tourism potential and seeking to reduce constraints related to land access. The governor did not specify the location or size of the areas available.

Beyond attracting investment, Pagula emphasised the need to train hospitality professionals and involve local communities, so that the sector’s expansion creates employment and improves living conditions for the population.

“More than debate, bringing solutions is what we expect,” he said.