Government to work with Mozambique in tourism, hospitality, gambling

Portugal is to cooperate with Mozambique in the tourism and hospitality sectors through vocational training, joint promotion of destinations, attracting investment, heritage enhancement and the regulation of gambling, according to a new agreement between the two governments.

The agreement, ratified and published in Mozambique’s Official Gazette in June, provides for the two countries to promote the “exchange of best practice between their respective national organisations within the tourism ecosystem” and to strengthen the exchange of information and experts on matters such as tourism marketing, destination management, the digitalisation of the sector, certification, service quality, hotel operations, statistics and market research.

This is one of more than 20 memoranda of understanding signed by the two governments at the summit last December in Porto, and it also provides for sharing experiences on the sustainable development of destinations and “distinctive, authentic and inclusive” tourism products – with a focus on nature tourism, blue tourism, active tourism and cultural tourism.

One of the most wide-ranging aspects of the memorandum involves what Lusa calls ‘games of chance’, with both countries committing to cooperate on technical and regulatory exchanges concerning the licensing, supervision, inspection and control of casino, bingo and online gaming operators.

The parties undertake to exchange information on responsible gambling, corporate social responsibility and the prevention of illegal practices, as well as to share experiences on international best practice in the land-based and digital games of chance sector.

Portugal and Mozambique have also committed to building the capacity of teams to develop and operate products and destinations through tourist packages, as well as to exchanging technical expertise on the collection and processing of statistical data, surveys, tourism directories, sector barometers and the monitoring of booking platforms.

Another new area of cooperation involves sharing experiences regarding the national register of tourism operators, including travel and tourism agencies, tourist entertainment companies and tourist accommodation providers, as well as on the regulatory frameworks and classification procedures for tourist establishments.

In the field of tourism promotion, the agreement provides for joint participation in conferences, festivals, symposia and trade fairs, the encouragement of the creation of tourism programmes for both countries at preferential rates, and the reciprocal promotion of tourist seasons and destinations.

In the economic and business sphere, Portugal and Mozambique have agreed to exchange information on public policies, the design and implementation of programmes, financing solutions, the legal framework and incubation models for entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises linked to tourism.

The agreement also provides for the preparation and dissemination of joint catalogues and portfolios of tourism projects and investment opportunities, as well as the organisation of business forums and partnerships enabling investors to present their initiatives.

The restoration and enhancement of historical and cultural heritage for tourism purposes constitutes another aspect of the cooperation, including the sharing of experiences associated with the Portuguese REVIVE programme.

In the field of vocational training, they undertake to establish training programmes in hospitality and tourism, involving exchanges of trainers and trainees, as well as specialised technical assistance.

The agreement sets out the intention to “promote and support the development of a hospitality school certified by the Portuguese Tourism Board” and to “agree on and implement sustainable management models for hotel schools where necessary”.

The agreement provides for the two states to coordinate their positions on tourism matters within international organisations and provides for the creation of a joint technical committee on tourism facilitation responsible for drawing up a five-year action plan to implement the agreed measures, Lusa concludes.

This long text concentrates on the positive. It does not refer to the various travel warnings issued over Mozambique that ‘increased caution’ should be exercised “due to the risk of violent crime and terrorist activity”, nor does it refer to “areas of Mozambique where (governments like New Zealand’s) recommend you do not travel”.

Recent ‘safe travel advice’ tells New Zealanders thinking of visiting the African country: “There is (sic) ongoing protests across Mozambique, which have resulted in deaths, destruction of property and travel disruption (including to and from the airport). Protests are expected to continue. Stay away from areas where there is civil unrest, avoid demonstrations and protest, and follow the advice of local authorities.

“Violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery and carjacking, happens in Mozambique. Kidnapping for financial gain also happens in larger cities.”

In other words, it is very possible that this agreement is more ‘one-way’, designed to benefit Mozambicans who want to work and live in Portugal rather than the other way around.

Source material: LUSA/ safetravel.govt.nz