Mozambique: 15 cruise ship calls expected at Maputo port this year, set to bring 16,000 tourists

The Port of Maputo expects to receive 15 cruise ship calls this year, totalling around 16,000 tourists arriving in the Mozambican capital, according to data from the institution. “This season, 15 calls are scheduled, which will bring close to 16,000 visitors to Maputo. Each arrival represents much more than numbers — they are new opportunities for the local economy, for small businesses, for tour operators and for those who live in the city every day,” a statement from the Port of Maputo reads.

Mozambique received at least nine cruise ships in 2024, with almost 4,492 tourists, mainly in Maputo and from Asian and European countries, according to the latest available Government data up to September of that year. “Of these, 2,069 disembarked to visit tourist attractions and sample typical cuisine,” the abovementioned Government report states. After that period, months of post-election unrest followed, with violence in the streets of the country in protest against the process surrounding the general elections of 9 October 2024, in which 400 people died.

Mozambique’s revenue from foreign tourists exceeded €200 million in 2024, but the Government forecasts reaching €360 million in 2029, with the sector’s contribution rising to 6% of GDP. This is the first PQG of the Executive led by the current President, a document since approved by Parliament, which states that international tourism revenue in 2024 exceeded 221.2 million US dollars (€203.9 million), setting a target of 391.9 million US dollars (€361.3 million) in 2029.