Local Economic Development in Mozambique - Responsible Tourism: Critical Issues for Conservation and Development - page 7

Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and by preparing a Strategic
Plan for Tourism Development in Mozambique (SPTDM) (Ministério de
Tourismo, 2004).
The SPTDM argues that tourism in many developing countries has been
proven to be a significant catalyst for economic growth and job creation. Tourism
is labour-intensive and 'pro-poor', with significant opportunities for women and
unskilled workers as well as opportunities at the level of small, micro and medium-
sized enterprises (SMMEs) and communities (Ministério de Tourismo, 2004). In
2001, tourism accounted for 7.5 per cent of total employment in sub-Saharan
Africa (Ministério de Tourismo, 2004, p2). Therefore tourism can play a funda-
mental role as an instrument in poverty alleviation.
Despite the above, although tourism may have economic benefits for develop-
ing countries, it does not come without some negative social impacts. While
tourism may be labour intensive, it demands low skills and produces correspond-
ingly low wages. Ashley and Roe maintain that tourism ' brings disadvantages to the
poor, by causing displacement, inflation, inequality and social disruption ' (2002, p61).
Archer (1978) argues that tourism has reduced the moral standards of developing
countries and that they have experienced increases in crime, prostitution and
gambling as means of generating incomes (in Mathieson and Wall, 1992).
Rothman (1978) found that crime was positively correlated to increases in
tourism (in Mathieson and Wall, 1992). The experience of Jangamo District in
Mozambique found that ' an increase in thieving ha[d] been mentioned by tourist
operators and begging is quite obvious on driving through the villages ' (SLE, 2003,
p67). In addition, one may argue that tourism erodes the social culture and local
environment to accommodate the demands of tourists.
Impact of tourism on LED
Tourism within Mozambique remains relatively underdeveloped but its ' key
strengths lie in the quality of its beach product, the exotic ambience and cultural profile
of the country and in its wilderness areas with high bio-diversity. It is one of few
countries that can offer this diversity of products ' (Ministério de Tourismo, 2004,
piv). Tourist attractions in Mozambique include beautiful sandy beaches and
coral reefs; islands; cultural heritage in historic towns; and islands, natural forests
and wetlands. Investment is increasing in the area but is concentrated along the
coastal and nature reserve areas. However, in terms of being used as an instru-
ment to alleviate poverty and increase employment, tourism has been found
wanting. There has been little emphasis on community-based tourism and
responsibility has been deferred to foreign organizations, such as The Netherlands
Development Agency (SNV) and the NGO TechnoServe, to promote the poten-
tial of this market.