Maputo – The Government of Mozambique plans to introduce a tourism levy on accommodation to attract more investment and increase the flow of foreign tourists, according to the country’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (PRECE).
The levy aims to strengthen the tourism sector and create jobs by using revenue to market Mozambican tourism products and promote the country as a tourist destination. No specific amount has been announced, but funds collected will support marketing campaigns, training, and the creation of service standards for the tourism industry.
The PRECE document notes that current state investment in tourism, estimated at US$350,000 per year, is low compared with neighbouring South Africa, which spends around US$60 million annually. Officials hope the levy will double foreign tourist arrivals and raise tourism’s direct contribution to gross domestic product from 1.1% to 5%.
Revenue from the levy will also be used to improve strategic infrastructure, diversify tourism products, and facilitate financing for local operators. Officials expect that these measures could increase the average spending per tourist from US$125 to US$500, raising total tourism revenue from US$62.5 million to US$500 million per year.
The document concludes that the new levy will significantly benefit tax revenues, employment, and the overall value of Mozambican tourism products and services.
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