A renewed tourism cooperation is expected to unlock major opportunities for SMEs across the SADC region, with operators welcoming the newly signed SA-Mozambique Tourism Implementation Plan (2026–2030).
However, they stress that its success will depend on more predictable borders, improved safety, and coordinated marketing efforts.
The agreement was formalised when Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille joined President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African delegation in Maputo for the 4th Bi-National Commission, where she reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Mozambique.
De Lille noted that 2025 marks 30 years since South Africa and Mozambique signed their first tourism memorandum in 1995, calling it a foundation for strong economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
Current tourism flows reflect this relationship. Between January and October 2025, South Africa welcomed 1.69 million Mozambican visitors, representing a 28.3% increase from the same period last year, who have already injected R4.2 billion into the economy.
Spending is expected to reach R5.7 billion by year-end. South Africans remain among Mozambique’s most loyal holidaymakers, a trend strengthened by new private sector investments, including Singita’s USD102 million (R1.7 billion) tourism and conservation developments in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
The 2026–2030 plan sets out priorities such as improving ease of access, coordinated marketing, enhanced tourist safety, product development, and support for youth and SMEs. This comes as both countries prepare to establish a Joint Tourism Technical Committee and increase participation in trade platforms, including Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba.
According to Limpopo-based operators, the plan represents a turning point. Akesa Mokhare, Marketing Manager at Fumani Game Lodge, said the framework opens new pathways for cross-border packages, collaborative experiences, and cultural exchange routes.
He believes the biggest wins for SMEs will come from faster border processes, strengthened safety measures, unified tourism standards, and joint digital marketing.
“If implemented effectively, it will stimulate demand on both sides, meaning more travellers, more partnerships, and more opportunities for rural and township tourism operators who often get overlooked,” he said.
Mokhare added that the rising interest in bilateral tourism could support new product development and regional brand positioning, provided SMEs are intentionally included through training, funding, partnerships, and visibility.
In the Mopani District, operators see an opportunity to build a fully integrated regional circuit linking Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Mozambique.
Tzaneen Country Lodge owner and Greater Tzaneen Tourism Association chairperson Adri Kruger said the plan strengthens the bush-to-beach value proposition for international travellers.
She believes streamlined border posts such as Giriyondo, Pafuri, and Lebombo, improved safety cooperation, and a unified regional marketing strategy could significantly boost visitor flow and increase revenue for businesses of all sizes.
Kruger added that multi-country travel is a growing trend, making cross-border partnerships crucial for SMEs that rely on extended itineraries and shared platforms to reach international markets.
Transport operators also expect positive gains. Calvino’s Shuttle Services co-CEO, Gopolang Makgotho, said simplified visa and customs procedures, shared marketing platforms, and better infrastructure would make the region more attractive to tourists while giving small operators greater visibility.
“Joint promotion of the SA–Mozambique corridor as a unified destination will help small businesses reach wider audiences without the high cost of international marketing,” she told Vutivi Business News.
Makgotho added that enhanced safety communication and coordinated emergency services would reassure visitors and support balanced growth beyond major cities and resorts.
Mozambique, operators are supportive but caution that safety concerns remain the biggest barrier. Emanuel Bila, founder of Bússola Azul Transportes and MR Boat Cruise, said inconsistent policing and recurring issues involving roadblocks and harassment continue to deter South African tourists.
He called for clear, managed travel corridors and stronger oversight to rebuild confidence. Bila said faster border processes, especially during peak seasons, and joint marketing campaigns would help small operators attract new travellers and benefit from increased investment.
“If both governments ensure that funding and support also reach grassroots operators, not only large companies, then the impact will be meaningful and long-lasting,” he said.
As both governments look to strengthen implementation in 2026 through the Joint Tourism Technical Committee, shared trade platforms, and a joint holiday season campaign, operators agree that the plan could position the Limpopo–Mpumalanga–Mozambique corridor as a world-class tourism route.
However, they also emphasise that the benefits will only materialise if SMEs are fully integrated into cross-border initiatives, safety improvements, and marketing campaigns. As Mokhare put it, “Opportunities will come if SMMEs are intentionally included.”
nosihle@vutivibusiness.co.za
