Bazaruto has the potential to be one of the most exceptional marine and coastal tourism destinations in East Africa, its communities benefitting through economic and employment opportunities. African Parks is working to increase community employment through tourism concessions, training local tour guides as well as hospitality training. This is helping to create a conservation-led economy and will increase the value to and support from local communities to maintain Bazaruto as a protected area long into the future.
To that end, a comprehensive Tourism Development Plan has been developed and finalised, and rigorous park compliance checks were implemented, ensuring that 100% of new tourism development adheres to park regulations. The Sustainable Tourism Model is an important element to help attract local visitors to the park – this includes affordable accommodation, tourism information points and other activities. Various tourism concessions have signed contracts with ANAC, bringing them under formal regulation. Concessionaires are required to adhere to their environmental licences, particularly regarding waste removal and construction of unauthorised installations.
Almost 30,000 people visited Bazaruto in 2023, made up of international, regional and local visitors, with 16% of its annual income going directly to island communities for their own use and development.
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park continues to grow in popularity and the planned diversification of tourism activities on the islands will enhance its appeal.