Mozambique’s President, Armando Guebuza has revealed that Mozambique is supporting tourism as a major area of importance in their agenda to fight poverty.

“Given its impact in terms of jobs and income and considering its multiplier effects in other areas of the economy, tourism has proven to be a sector of high relevance in the socio-economic development of our country,” said President Guebuza, who recently joined UNWTO/WTTC Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign .

President Guebuza received an Open Letter from UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, and World Travel &Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO, David Scowsill highlighting Travel & Tourism as one of the most effective solutions to today’s global challenges.

During his official visit to Mozambique, Mr Rifai also met Prime Minister Aires Ali, who reiterated the government’s commitment to tourism. “We are fully committed to the development of tourism in Mozambique, as the Government has recognised the sector as strategic for the overall development of the country,” he said.

“Mozambique has unique resources to advance tourism and make of it a real driver to improve the lives of its people. Moreover, it has the political will to do so. This is confirmed by President Guebuza joining our campaign, but also by the fact that tourism is extensively featured in the Government Plan for the coming years,” said Mr Rifai. “The Plan identifies tourism as a strategic sector in the socio-economic development of the country, contributing to job creation, income generation and the strengthening of national unity”.

David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC, said “The tourism potential of Mozambique speaks for itself, with 2700 km of tropical coastline, a variety of ecological systems that are rich in species and a rich historic cultural heritage but most significantly, the Mozambican Government has recognised the opportunities for economic growth and job creation through tourism.”

“The total contribution of Travel &Tourism to Mozambique’s GDP, including its wider economic impacts, is forecast to rise by 6.4% each year over the next ten years. By 2021 Travel & Tourism will support over 700,000 jobs in Mozambique,” David continues.

With over 2 million international tourist arrivals in 2010, Mozambique is becoming one of the most important destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa. International tourism revenues of US$ 1 billion represent 9% of Mozambique’s total exports.

City.Mobi

Also in Africa today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Mozambique.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are nagoya.city.mobi, Osaka.mobi, Tokyo.mobi and Kyoto.city.mobi.

maputo.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.