The Mozambican capital was the setting for the 10th edition of the International Tourism Fair (FIKANI), an event that consolidated its place as one of the most important showcases for the tourism sector in southern Africa. Held at the Mozambique-China Cultural Centre from 8 to 11 August, it was marked by a strong presence of international exhibitors and a series of activities aimed at highlighting Mozambique as a destination of excellence for tourism and a platform for business opportunities.
The official opening was presided over by the President of the Republic, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, who stressed the strategic importance of the tourism sector for the national economy. In a speech marked by optimism, Nyusi highlighted the country's economic growth, now on the order of five per cent, as one of the factors driving tourism in Mozambique. This growth, according to the President, is the result of several bold measures that have made it easier for tourists to enter the country, including the introduction of the Border Visa and visa exemption for 29 countries, as part of the economic acceleration measures.
FIKANI 2024 brought together 220 exhibitors from various parts of the world, including countries such as South Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, Portugal and Spain. During the fair, seminars were held on investment and business opportunities in the sector, along with photographic exhibitions, cultural and food events, and familiarisation visits for journalists and buyers of tourism packages. The diversity of activities was designed to attract and involve all the players in the tourism value chain.
Among the most anticipated moments, the awards ceremony stood out, where the best participations were recognised in various categories. The province of Cabo Delgado was awarded the prizes for Best Stand and Creativity, while the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) received the newcomer award. In the food sector, Inhambane received the distinction of Best Exhibitor. In the hotel sector, Hotel Polana was judged the best stand among tourism developments.
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula, in her closing speech, highlighted the government's commitment to turning Maputo into a conference centre of excellence, similar to what already exists in countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Morocco and Egypt. This effort is part of a broader strategy to combat the seasonality of tourism in Mozambique, attracting middle- and high-income tourists all year round. Materula also stressed the imminent creation of a Tourism Tax, as a way of ensuring the sustainable development of the country's tourist destinations.
The seminars held during the fair addressed crucial topics for the development of the sector, such as the role of Convention Bureaus in managing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business, highlighting Rwanda's experience over the past 10 years and the success of the Radisson Blu Hotel Maputo in organising events. These discussions served to reaffirm the importance of event tourism as an engine of economic growth.
By strengthening our country's status as an emerging tourist destination, this latest event also laid solid foundations for the future of the sector, with a clear vision of sustainable and inclusive development. With the motto "Tourism, a Tool for Economic Development and Social Transformation", it showed that Mozambique is determined to make the most of its tourism potential, turning it into a true treasure to be discovered by the world.
The fair culminated in a thrilling musical show, featuring renowned artists such as DJ Damost, DJ Ardiles and Deltino Guerreiro, thus closing as a celebration of Mozambican culture and talent. FIKANI 2024 reflected the dynamism and resilience of a country that faces the future with confidence and hope.
