More than 64,000 jobs are at risk in Mozambique's tourism sector with the impending fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic driven by the Ómicron variant.

Still, despite a year marked by the war in Cabo Delgado and the pandemic, the business sector believes that the non-worsening of measures to combat the pandemic may help to recover the losses recorded in 2021, marked by reduced activity and layoffs.

"The tourism sector has reduced its activity by more than 80% and it is estimated that more than 90,000 jobs have been suspended, or are at risk of losing employment in the sector at the national level, approximately 64,000 workers distributed in the sectors of accommodation, restaurants, events and travel agencies at the national level are at risk," emphasizes Mahommed Abdulah, president of the Tourism, Hospitality and Catering portfolio of the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), quoted by VOA.

In the last two years, the companies have recorded a cash deficit of 80% and, according to Abdulah, they need 50 billion meticais."

In order to minimize losses and ensure jobs, operators in the sector are betting on lower prices to attract more tourists, especially domestic ones, since foreigners are more wary of traveling to Mozambique.

Katarine Williams and Ana Cossa, managers of tourism instances in Vilankulo and Maputo City, point out examples of price reductions to attract Mozambicans who, however, saw their purchasing power reduced.

In turn, the national director of Tourism, Cândido Langa, says that the recovery of the sector will only be possible if everyone observes the prevention measures issued by the Government.