Ofélia Musseia, Head of the Department for Market, Product and Destination Development and Tourism Information at Mozambique’s Ministry of Economy, recently took part in the Tourism Management Seminar for Portuguese-speaking Countries held in Hainan, China. She said China’s experience could provide useful references for turning natural and cultural heritage into drivers of economic and social development.

Musseia said that the theoretical sessions, study visits and exchange of experience had provided an opportunity to learn about China’s tourism-development policies, strategies and models. She highlighted, in particular, the integration of tourism into spatial planning, investment in infrastructure, technological innovation and the promotion of natural and cultural heritage.

The Mozambican official noted that such practices could support urban modernisation, rural revitalisation, job creation and improvements in quality of life. The use of technology could also make destination management more efficient and sustainable.

Musseia said there was scope to deepen bilateral co-operation by promoting Mozambique as a tourism destination in the Chinese market, attracting investment, training professionals, and sharing experience in destination management, innovation and sustainable tourism.

(Source: Revista Fórum, 4 August)