MAPUTO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique recorded investments of around 7.3 billion U.S. dollars in tourism throughout 2023, which corresponds to over 42 percent of the investment projects in the country, Mozambique's state news agency AIM reported Thursday.
According to the report, the statistics were revealed by President Filipe Nyusi while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Ponta Mbembene Lodge, a newly developed resort located in the Maputo National Park in Maputo Province.
"Tourism absorbed more than 42 percent of investment projects registered in the country last year, with a total equivalent to 7.3 billion U.S. dollars," Nyusi was quoted as saying. Nyusi also noted that in 2023, tourism contributed 8.9 percent to the gross domestic product, compared to 7.4 percent in 2022.
This trend is the result of the government's actions reflected in the improvement of the business environment, the development of support infrastructures, wildlife restoration and the training of human resources, according to the president.
"When we don't do concrete things like creating spaces, nothing will happen. I hope that the local community will be able to enjoy the benefits of operating the enterprise, including the training and qualification of people as part of the workforce," said Nyusi referring to the resort, which also includes an environmental education and training center. ■