In the heart of the city of Maputo, at the already emblematic, though recently created, Mozambique-China Cultural Centre, a landmark event took place on the national and international tourism scene: the 9th edition of the International Tourism Fair – FIKANI 2023. Opened on 30 November, this fair is a milestone in Mozambique's cultural and business calendar, symbolising the country's progressive and ambitious vision for the tourism sector.
Under the motto “FIKANI, for sustainable tourism”, the fair is the result of a joint initiative by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, through the National Tourism Institute (INATUR), and several private-sector partners, a strategic alliance whose aim, above all, is to celebrate and promote the richness, diversity and uniqueness of Mozambique's tourism products and services, putting the country on the map as a destination of excellence.
The opening ceremony, graced by the presence of the Prime Minister, Adriano Maleiane, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula, among other dignitaries, was more than a mere formality. It represented a renewed commitment to the sustainable development of tourism, a vital industry for the Mozambican economy.
This edition of FIKANI, setting itself apart from previous ones, brought together a wide range of tour operators, travel agents and suppliers of services and products, establishing itself as the largest and most influential tourism fair in the country. Its scale went beyond national borders, attracting participants from Southern Africa and from other parts of the globe. It was, in truth, an unmissable meeting point for business and for cultural and commercial exchange in the sector.
The event hosted a series of activities, including exhibitions with stands and exhibitors from the main players in the tourism sector operating in Mozambique, an area devoted to gastronomy, and a series of panel discussions focused on crucial topics, such as the regulation of SAATM (the Single African Air Transport Market, an African Union project), the state of tourism and connectivity in Mozambique, and the role of airlines in developing air connectivity. In addition to the debates and exhibitions, FIKANI 2023 also hosted workshops, speed marketing and networking sessions, a variety of cultural moments and screenings of Mozambican films, serving as a rich showcase of the country's cultural tapestry.
One of the highlights of the fair was the presentation of awards in the various categories, recognising and celebrating excellence in several areas of tourism: from the best provincial stand to the best foreign stand, including awards for crafts, gastronomy, fashion and newcomers. These awards are not only a form of recognition, but also an incentive to continue improving quality and innovation in the sector.
FIKANI is an affirmation of Mozambique in the world of tourism. It demonstrates the country's ability to host large-scale events, while reinforcing its position as a destination of choice, with a firm commitment to sustainability and innovation. The fair leaves an indelible mark on the history of Mozambican tourism, paving the way for new editions and for a promising future for tourism in the country.
