Profile Mozambique: How did Tara Travel, which is now a reference in the sector, come to be?
Arcina Dauto: Tara Travel was founded in 2003 as a small family business. We were just three workers: myself, an employee who is still part of the team, and a ticketing agent responsible for bookings. From the beginning, we had a strong will and determination to establish ourselves in the tourism sector. I handled multiple roles, from commercial to financial, ensuring the business ran smoothly.
Today, Tara Travel is a well-established company but has maintained its family roots. We continue to operate in the same space, having significantly expanded to meet the growth of our operations and better serve our clients.
PM: What services does Tara Travel offer today?
AD: Initially, we focused on selling airline tickets, both domestic and international. Over time, we diversified our services to meet client and market needs.
Today, we offer a wide range of services, including accommodation bookings, tour packages, visa assistance, and medical tourism. However, our main strength remains the sale of airline tickets, both national and international. This focus allows us to provide excellent service in this area while exploring other opportunities in the tourism sector.
PM: What makes Tara Travel unique compared to other companies in the sector?
AD: Tara Travel has continuously worked towards achieving excellence in the services we offer. One example of this is being recognized as one of the top ten agencies. Furthermore, we believe that, in terms of service quality, we surpass that ranking, thanks to our dedication to exceeding customer expectations.
We align with our goals by focusing on quality customer service, a diverse range of services, and constant innovation to meet market demands. We aim to continue leading in ticket sales while also becoming a reference in other tourism services, maintaining our commitment to customer satisfaction and value creation.
PM: What were the most memorable moments over these 20 years of activity?
AD: Over these 20 years, we have gone through many stages and transformations. When we started in 2003, the landscape was very different. There were few travel agencies, and market challenges were distinct. At the time, we identified a clear need: to serve underrepresented segments such as embassies and international institutions. It all began with contacts we had with some embassies.
Over time, the market evolved. New agencies emerged, and competition intensified, forcing us to adapt and reinvent ourselves. Market growth also brought new opportunities and required us to work with other segments beyond our initial corporate clients. We began catering to leisure travelers, foreign companies, multinationals, and many others.
It has been a journey of immense learning and growth, always focusing on meeting customer needs and keeping up with market developments. This path has shaped who we are today: a solid, adaptable company committed to the quality of our services.
PM: Who are your main client segments?
AD: We work with two main segments: corporate travel and leisure travel. While we offer many tour packages, especially at this time of the year, our primary focus is on the corporate segment. We have a solid base of corporate clients, both domestically and internationally, which sustains Tara Travel.
Regarding domestic tourism, we see significant untapped potential. However, internal tourism in Mozambique remains expensive, which limits demand. Despite this, we strive to promote the country, rich in natural resources and with wonderful beaches that deserve to be highlighted.
PM: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for tourism in Mozambique?
AD: The biggest challenge for tourism in Mozambique lies in the lack of adequate infrastructure, such as good roads, and insufficient safety measures for tourists. These factors, combined with the high costs of both domestic and international tourism, make it difficult to position the country as a competitive and accessible destination. Without structural improvements, it becomes challenging to attract more visitors and foster sector growth.
As for opportunities, they are immense. Mozambique is a beautiful country with extraordinary cultural and natural diversity. There is significant international interest in visiting the country, and I believe that, with specific investments and appropriate public policies, the private sector will be ready to develop tourism sustainably. We regularly participate in international fairs, where we witness the enthusiasm of those who have heard about or wish to visit Mozambique.
With access to the right tools and conditions, we can showcase Mozambique’s true potential as an excellent tourist destination. It requires collaboration between the government, the private sector, and all stakeholders. Still, I believe that, over time, our country will achieve the recognition it deserves on the international stage. Tara Travel will remain committed to this journey, promoting Mozambique as a unique and special destination.
PM: What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur looking to start a business in the tourism sector?
AD: My advice is simple: if you truly have the desire, start. There is room for everyone in this area, but it is essential to have a clear goal and a lot of determination. It is not an easy sector; it requires a lot of hard work, but opportunities arise over time.
You can start small, with limited resources, but that should not be a barrier. The most important thing is to take the first steps, no matter how small, and never give up. Every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity, and these must be faced with persistence. Always work with focus because, with effort and dedication, you will achieve your goals.
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Meet TARA TRAVEL: www.taratravel.co.mz
