Tourism boost in Moz with community/resorts partnership

On 16 January 2012, the Covane Community Association (CCA) in Mozambique signed a 10-year tourism operating contract with Barra Resorts. Peter John Massyn from the African Safari Lodge Foundation (ASLF) says: “The signing of the contract is hugely significant because now the community has an operator on board with a proven track record in Mozambique. We see this as a major boost for tourism to the area.”

Dave Law from Barra Resorts has a big vision for the region. He explains: “Covane is one of a chain of community-owned bush camps that we will be developing as a touring circuit through southern Mozambique. It is well positioned and will be part of the Transfrontier Park, and will also be an ideal stop-over for clients going through Giriyondo border, apart from a number of other activities we plan to develop in the area.”

The final construction work on the community-owned lodge is underway and should be completed by July 2012. The lodge on the banks of the Massingir Dam will offer two houseboats, self-catering chalets and luxury tents, as well as overnight camping. The area is becoming popular for tiger-fishing and nature lovers enjoy the surroundings and various outdoor adventure activities on offer.

Steve Collins, the ASLF’s project manager for Mozambique, says the partnership shows a lot of promise: “Barra Resorts already has a successful tourism offering in Inhambane and many of its guests will now be able to spend some time at Massingir en route to and from the coastal resorts.”

Barra Resorts will begin operating later this year, once the construction financed by the World Bank and the Ford Foundation is complete.

The signing of the contract followed a visit by the CCA members to Barra Lodge in Inhambane in November 2011, where the basis of the partnership was agreed. Collins says, “The CCA members had a chance to ask local staff at Barra Lodge how they were treated and what impact Barra Resorts had made on the area. The positive feedback they got made them comfortable signing the 10-year deal, which is renewable for another 10 years.”

Massyn says the signing will have multiple benefits for the locals: “The community will get a basic rental plus a levy per bed-night sold to tourists. There are undertakings by Barra Resorts to purchase local produce and materials, as well as train and permanently employ community members.”

Collins says another significant aspect of the project is the installation of water pipes and tanks that will provide the local village with water. “The water system piggy-backs on the lodge water pump and will make a significant impact on the community, who still fetch water on foot or by using local pick-ups”.

Collins says the pipes and tanks were bought with a grant from the World Bank. Maputo-based H&L Construction will supervise the installation of the water pipes as part of its work at the community lodge.

Law notes that Barra Resorts will be able to give the community the sustained support it needs in growing the product offering. “I believe Barra Resorts can bring its experience in lodge management and marketing. This should be of great benefit to the community. We look forward to developing this destination. We have had previous experience on how the effect trickles back into the community. We are hopeful that other developments might be attracted to the region.”

Law also points out that the ASLF’s support did much to move the processes along: “We certainly would not have got as far and as quickly as we did without their support.”

Peter John Massyn and his colleagues at the ASLF are excited about future prospects for the Covane community: “Having Barra Resorts on board is going to create major opportunities for the community; this partnership is just the beginning.”