Increasing employability in the emerging tourism sector in Mozambique: results of a qualitative study

Mozambique’ tourism sector could play a key role in the country’s socio-economic development, especially in the region of Cabo Delgado, where the demand of tourist services is expected to increase. Nonetheless, several constraints (e.g. the lack of adequate training) are hindering the capacity of local people to get full advantage from this opportunity. A qualitative research has been performed in order to align vocational training programs with the needs of emerging tourism sector. Local and foreign key informants were interviewed in order to gain a better understanding of training needs and give insights to develop training programs that can enhance local people’s employability. Main findings highlight the lack of symbolisation of tourism and its correlates from local communities. Therefore, rather than just delivering technical skills, training programs should also promote a ‘culture of tourism’ and a more favourable attitude towards ‘working in tourism sector’.