Malawi: Minister of Tourism in the government of Malawi Vera Kamtukule has announced that Malawians have to work to promote and support domestic tourism.
“We need to change the way we think about tourism. Many believe it is only for rich people and foreigners, but as a country, we can also explore and enjoy our own tourism destinations,” she said.
The minister was at the time speaking during a briefing hosted by the Minister of Information and Digitalisation. The event was hosted on Saturday where Moses Kunkuyu, for cabinet ministers christened Boma Likutinji in Lilongwe.
He highlighted that Malawi’s diverse wildlife, including the presence of the “Big Five” animals in various game reserves provides an opportunity for the citizenry to appreciate natures.
Vera Kamtukule also announced that in order to ensure high quality standards in the sector, her ministry has been taking up inspections. They help to make sure that both local and foreign tourists get the best possible treatment in tourism establishments across the country.
“We have been inspecting multiple lodges to ensure they meet health and safety standards. Those that fail to comply are being shut down, especially those accommodating international visitors,” she said.
The minister emphasized if our places are well kept and maintained, this will attract a lot of tourists to this country but if our lodges are not of high quality, many will avoid from coming here.
Speaking at the same briefing, Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba, urged Malawians to strive for progress and excellence in their work places.
“As a nation, we must be driven by the desire to improve and move forward. We need to channel our frustrations into productivity and growth,” he said.
He also encouraged both employers and workers in the tourism sector to uphold fair labour practices, as a well-supported workforce is key to delivering high-quality services that attract more visitors to Malawi.