PR No.: PR11061

“Given its impact in terms of jobs and income and considering its multiplier effects in other areas of the economy, tourism has proven to be a sector of high relevance in the socio-economic development of our country,” said President Guebuza.

President Guebuza received an Open Letter from UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, and World Travel &Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO, David Scowsill, highlighting Travel & Tourism as one of the most effective solutions to today’s global challenges.   

During his official visit to Mozambique, Mr. Rifai also met Prime Minister Aires Ali, who reiterated the Government’s commitment to tourism. "We are fully committed to the development of tourism in Mozambique, as the Government has recognized the sector as strategic for the overall development of the country," he said.

“Mozambique has unique resources to advance tourism and make of it a real driver to improve the lives of its people. Moreover, it has the political will to do so. This is confirmed by President Guebuza joining our campaign, but also by the fact that tourism is extensively featured in the Government Plan for the coming years,” said Mr. Rifai. “The Plan identifies tourism as a strategic sector in the socio-economic development of the country, contributing to job creation, income generation and the strengthening of national unity”. 

Mr. Scowsill said, “The tourism potential of Mozambique speaks for itself, with 2700 km of tropical coastline, a variety of ecological systems that are rich in species and a rich historic cultural heritage, but most significantly, the Mozambican Government has recognized the opportunities for economic growth and job creation through tourism”.

“The total contribution of Travel &Tourism to Mozambique’s GDP, including its wider economic impacts, is forecast to rise by 6.4% each year over the next ten years. By 2021 Travel & Tourism will support over 700,000 jobs in Mozambique,” Mr. Scowsill continued.

With over 2 million international tourist arrivals in 2010, Mozambique is becoming one of the most important destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa. International tourism revenues of US$ 1 billion represent 9% of Mozambique’s total exports. 

Note to Editors:

Through the Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign, UNWTO and WTTC are jointly presenting heads of state and government around the world an Open Letter which calls on them to acknowledge tourism’s key role in delivering more sustained and balanced growth and to prioritize the sector high in national policies in order to maximize its potential. The Open Letter outlines Travel & Tourism’s value as one of the world’s largest generators of jobs, a powerful driver of socio-economic growth and development and a key player in the transformation to the Green Economy.

The Campaign has already received the support of the Presidents of Mexico, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Burkina Faso, Indonesia, and Kenya.

Relevant links:

Open Letter to Heads of State and Government

Further Information on the Joint Campaign

Media contacts:

UNWTO Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
  www.UNWTO.org

WTTC Communications Executive: Anja Eckervogt
Tel: (+44) 20 7481 6484
 www.WTTC.org