Most of the world's least developed countries (LDCs) are avoided or overlooked by tourists. However, tourism can make valuable contributions to the economic growth of a country, and many LDCs have amazing things to offer their visitors. For those who wish to help make a difference in the world, there are great options for adventure and relaxation all while helping a developing country's economy grow in a sustainable and eco friendly fashion.

Impact on economic development

Mozambique was plagued by armed conflict from the mid-1970s until 1992, which annihilated the Mozambique's tourism industry, as well as conservation efforts. Yet according to Tourism ROI, a tourism management and investment resource, tourism bounced back to be the fastest growing sector of Mozambique's economy by the end of the 1990s, attracting more foreign investment than any other economic sector. In 2005, Mozambique had the largest growth rate in tourism in the world at 35 percent. While things have since slowed, the World Travel and Tourism Council still ranks Mozambique 16th out of 181 countries in terms of projected long-term (10-year) economic growth of the industry, while contribution to GDP is predicted to account for 6 percent (or $1.71 billion) by 2019.

Currently, the travel and tourism economy makes up 4.7 percent of total employment and is expected to grow to 5.4 percent over the next 10 years. Exports from tourism are doing well, contributing 7.3 percent ($2.20 billion) to total exports in 2009 and predicted to grow to 9 percent ($4.27 billion) by 2019. This being said, greater efforts must be taken to protect Mozambique's natural resources from being exploited for tourist export. For example, in many beach towns, coral and shells from the reefs are sold as souvenirs. Tourists should be greatly discouraged from purchasing these items, as it encourages the degradation of the reefs for profit.

Why you should go

Mozambique offers great wildlife safaris, pristine beaches with some of the best dive sites in Africa, and fascinating cultural history and experiences -- without the crowds and kitsch of the more popular tourist destinations in Africa. The Niassa Reserve with an area of 40,000 square kilometers (24,854 square miles) is one of the largest protected areas in the world, and has the highest concentration of wildlife in Mozambique. Other noteworthy wildlife reserves include Gorongosa National Park, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, and the Lubombo Transforntier Conservation Area, with the latter two overlapping into South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Archipelago de Bazaruto, the Quirimbas Archipelago with its National Park, and the well known Tofo beach offer some of the best beaches and dive sites, and are quickly becoming popular destinations. For those looking for beautiful beaches and a bit more isolation, the Pemba area and Mozambique Island (also known as Ilha de Mozambique) are good options. Mozambique Island was once the capital of the Portuguese Colony, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the home of a chapel built in 1522, which is thought to be the oldest European building still standing in the southern hemisphere. Two towns, Maputo and Inhambane, are also worth visiting. Maputo is the capital and boasts a more modern feel, with a good nightlife scene, massive markets, and a mix of old and new architecture. Inhambane is a quieter town with beautiful beaches and charming buildings. It also is home to hundreds of dhows (traditional Arab sailing boats), which many of the locals use to earn a living.

Recommendations

Being a responsible traveler is key to aiding development. Here are a few recommendations on travel companies, hotels, guide groups, and other travel aids that focus on sustainable tourism through being eco-friendly, and operating in synch with local communities to raise living standards while preserving local culture.

Azura Resort

Mozambique's first carbon-neutral resort proves that luxury does not have to be accompanied by environmental degradation. Located in the Bazaruto Marine National Park, Azura was built entirely by the local community with local and sustainable resources. All staff are locals, and Azura also runs the "Rainbow Fund," an organization that funds local projects such as the building of a new school or hygiene and HIV awareness campaigns. The resort also offers a variety of land- and water-based activities for its guests.

Website: www.azura-retreats.com

Nkwichi Lodge

Located on the shore of the beautiful Lake Niassa, this lodge is a product of the Manda Wilderness Community-owned Conservation Area. Among other things, this organization promotes sustainable farming, gets local communities to set aside land for conservation, and checks the area for wildlife snares. The lodge was constructed in such a way that if it were to be removed, the area it occupied would return to its natural state within two years. Over 75 staff and guides are employed from local surrounding communities, and according to Nkwichi's website, a local NGO calculated that the salaries from the lodge have reached about 11,000 people living in the vicinity. Nkwichi runs completely on solar power, and the majority of its produce comes from local farmers.

Website: www.mandawilderness.org

Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island is part of the Quirimbas National Park, and has been nominated to become a World Heritage Site. The Ibo Island Lodge was the first tourism investment on the island. As such, the lodge operates on the belief that is imperative that local communities benefit from the development of tourism. The lodge is involved in a variety of community support and development projects such as marine turtle research and conservation, starting a Montessori class for local children that teaches respect and conservation of the environment, and the Silversmith's Project, which seeks more equitable distribution of both raw materials as well as helping with product distribution. About 30 full time local staff are employed, and many of the food products and services are from the island. As a result, Ibo Island Lodge states that along with its development projects, it "will positively affect as much as 50 percent of Ibo Island's population."

Website: www.iboisland.com

Guludo Beach Lodge

Also located in Quirimbas National Park, the Guludo Beach Lodge says it was built "to be a catalyst that enables poor communities to work their way out of poverty while protecting the environment," according to its Website. The Lodge established the Nema Foundation, which works with about the local communities to try to end the cycle of poverty. A percentage of all lodge revenues go directly to Nema, and so far, their achievements are impressive. Nema has provided 550 nutritious meals for children each day, 12,000 people with clean water, 4,400 mosquito nets, and 79 scholarships for secondary education. Many different outings and activities with local guides are available through the lodge as well.

Website: www.guludo.com

Explore Gorongosa

This is the first private eco-tourism initiative in Gorongosa National Park. Guests live in semi-permanent canvas tents within the park, which leave little impact on the environment. It is a great base to explore the Gorongosa, which has a 20-year restoration and preservation contract with the Carr Foundation, an American nonprofit organization.

Website: www.exploregorongosa.com

Safety

Mozambique is considered safe for tourists. The State Department voices concern about traveling after dark, because of "poor road conditions, the lack of emergency services, and the increased potential for vehicle hijacking." A visa is required for entry, and it is recommended that travelers get both typhoid and rabies shots before they go, and take anti-malaria drugs for the duration of their visit.

For more information on safety, visit;

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_976.html

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/mozambique.aspx

For more general information about visiting Mozambique, please see the following sites:

http://www.go2africa.com/mozambique

http://www.ofroadandsea.com/general_information.php