10th FIKANI Tourism Fair projects Mozambique’s vibrant tourism & cultural potentials
The 10th edition of FIKANI Mozambique, the country’s premier International Tourism Fair, has concluded on a high note, reinforcing Mozambique’s position as a leading tourism and cultural destination in Africa. The event, which took place from August 8th to 11th at the Mozambique-China Cultural Centre, attracted significant participation from both local and international stakeholders, making it the largest and most impactful edition to date.
FIKANI 2024, themed “Tourism: Tool for Economic Development and Social Transformation,” served as a vibrant platform to highlight the critical role tourism plays in driving economic growth and improving quality of life. The fair featured over 220 exhibitors and 145 stands, showcasing a diverse array of products and services of hotels, catering, entertainment, and travel agency sectors. The event also attracted more than 6,000 visitors, including a remarkable international presence with 37 exhibiting buyers from countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, Portugal, the Kingdoms of Eswatini, and Spain.
The fair was officially opened by President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, whose unwavering support for tourism as a catalyst for economic and social transformation was a focal point of the event. In his opening remarks, President Nyusi emphasized the importance of tourism in Mozambique’s national development strategy and highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment in the sector.
Throughout the event, the international exhibitors had the opportunity to explore Mozambique’s tourism offerings, interact directly with local tour operators and travel agencies, and visit various tourist sites. This exposure is expected to enhance the global promotion of Mozambique as a prime tourism destination.
At the closing ceremony, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula, addressed the media, reaffirming the government’s dedication to adopting policies and implementing actions that continually improve the business environment. “FIKANI has once again demonstrated its role as the biggest showcase of tourism and culture in our country,” said Minister Materula. “This year’s event not only attracted significant participation, but also solidified our commitment to transforming Mozambique into a top-tier tourism destination.”
She also reiterated the importance of the theme “Tourism, Tool for Economic Development and Social Transformation,” which aimed to raise awareness among all stakeholders, including tourism professionals, service providers, and the general public, about their roles in building and promoting the Mozambique brand.
FIKANI 2024 introduced new attractions, such as a Photo Exhibition showcasing remarkable moment in Mozambique’s tourism over the past decade and the Corner Palmilhar Mozambique, which offered services and packages from air, railway, river, and land carriers. These additions highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity for tourist products and further enrich the visitor experience.