Mozambique is betting on luxury tourism through a South African company Tourism and travel

The authorities in Mozambique announced an agreement with the South African “Singita” group, which specializes in luxury tourism and travel trips, to invest more than $100 million in tourism projects on Santa Carolina Island and the neighboring island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, in the Indian Ocean.

Santa Carolina Island, which became famous internationally after it hosted the reality TV show “Survivor,” remained neglected for decades, as the authorities did not invest in its natural components of white beaches and turquoise waters.

The only hotel on the island has been reduced to ruins, making it an example of lost opportunities in the tourism sector.

But this reality seems to be about to change, as Singita plans to invest about $60 million in building a luxury resort with a capacity of 60 beds, in addition to another $42 million to develop tourism projects in the nearby Bazaruto archipelago.

Tourism in the face of security challenges

The new projects are located a long way from northeastern Mozambique, where armed groups linked to the Islamic State group are active.

Observers believe that this geographical dimension may protect investments from the repercussions of the violence that strikes those areas.

The announcement coincided with a series of government measures aimed at attracting foreign investments in the tourism sector, including granting ten-year residency visas to investors who invest $5 million or more, in addition to facilitating travel permits.

Analysts believe that the Maputo government is betting on luxury tourism to change the country’s image after the turmoil that followed the disputed elections last year, in an attempt to present a more stable and attractive economic face to investors and visitors.