Although Mozambique’s tourism industry is recovering, unlawful practices at its borders and on roads are deterring travellers driving to the country.
Figures released at the FIKANI International Tourism Expo revealed a 10% increase in tourism over 2023, but bribery, fake passport stamps and intimidation tactics discourage South Africans from embarking on the popular outbound road trip
“Mozambique is at a crossroads in its efforts to revitalise tourism, with challenges at its borders significantly impacting the experiences of incoming travellers. Among these challenges are bribery and extortion, practices that not only create obstacles but also foster a climate of intimidation,” says Sarah Bezuidenhout, Travel Manager and Senior Consultant at Go 2 Travel Alliance.
According to Bezuidenhout, South Africans driving into Mozambique face further complications when they encounter self-appointed agents who intimidate drivers into paying additional ‘taxes’ ( bribes) along the road between the Ressano Garcia border post and the main cities.
Threats of confiscation of vehicles and accusations that vehicles are stolen are often issued to intimidate travellers into paying up.
“Such practices create a hostile environment and discourage visitors by road from exploring the country,” she says.
The Director of Dana Tours, Natalie Tenzer-Silva, revealed that another deceptive tactic used at the Ressano Garcia border was the faking of entry stamps on arriving travellers’ passports. Tenzer-Silva says it often paves the way for hefty fines on exit, because these travellers’ passports show no evidence of their registered entry into the country.
“These intimidation tactics not only damage Mozambique’s reputation as a tourist destination but also undermine the efforts of groups like Drive MOZ, which works to promote safe and enjoyable travel experiences in the country. The fear and uncertainty caused by these factors can deter travellers from even considering Mozambique as a destination, affecting the country’s economy and its efforts to build a sustainable tourism industry,” says Bezuidenhout.
Bezuidenhout is part of the support group, Drive MOZ, which provides travellers with assistance and advice when navigating Mozambique’s borders. However, she explains that the effectiveness of this support is often limited by poor signal coverage.
According to Bezuidenhout and other tourism players at FIKANI, the key to improving many aspects of the tourism industry, including borders, is better government regulation and education for local communities.
“The Mozambican government needs to take a firm stand against these practices by implementing stricter regulations and penalties for those found guilty of intimidation and bribery at the borders. Additionally, engaging local communities in tourism development and border management can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, reducing the influence of rogue agents,” says Bezuidenhout.
According to Emidio Samuel Nhantumbo, the Inhambane Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, educating the local people on the benefits of tourism and addressing security issues will improve the reputation of the country and prevent generalisations about lack of safety and terrorism from impacting the revival of tourism.
“The challenge in the meantime is making sure that we communicate with our potential tourists about the security issues that we have in Mozambique, and how they are only present in certain districts, such as the northern provinces. Once we overcome that challenge, it means we can attract tourists to the other provinces that are secure.”
Bezuidenhout also believes that enhanced collaboration with neighbouring countries will ensure a more seamless and corruption-free travel experience, enhancing regional tourism and economic growth.
“By addressing these issues, Mozambique can ensure a welcoming environment for tourists, helping the country realise its full potential as a premier travel destination. With its natural beauty and cultural wealth, Mozambique deserves to be explored and enjoyed by visitors worldwide, free from the fear of intimidation and extortion,” says Bezuidenhout.
