Hope for Malawian culture exportation?
Should Malawi’s hopes be raised for the possibility that Malawi culture will go beyond its borders following the recent publication by world leading travel guide book publisher, Lonely Planet appealing to travellers across the world to visit Malawi rating it as one the top 10 tourist attraction sites in the world?
Despite a majestic lake stretching through its Eastern border that gives way to beautiful beaches, Malawi is the African country less travelled and the current rate will surely pose a great impact on the country’s culture since a number of factors that were pointed out in the book are cultural.
According to a statement by Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium managing director Kelly White, the body is elated with the international attention which this recognition will bring to the country.
“To be recognised by the Lonely Planet brand, which is read by thousands of travellers every year, is a huge boost for the country. 2014 will be a great year for Malawi.
“As well as celebrating 50 years of independence it sees investment in new accommodation, exciting developments in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve on the back of the success of the Majete restocking program, and new flight routes in and around the country,” she said.
Added White: “Malawi is a growing tourism force to be reckoned. Our on-going marketing will support the trade and continue to draw upon the county’s first class wildlife experiences, pioneering conservation efforts, stunning beaches, water-sports, landscapes, culture, people, much famed lake and relaxed ‘bare foot’ luxury appeal, making it a compelling holiday destination for a broad range of travellers.”
Ulendo Safaris sanaging director, Kim Brake noted: “This is a great achievement for Malawi and shows that we are ready to a more mainstream tourism role in the region. Malawi is an amazingly diverse country, easy to travel around and incredibly safe.
The mix of a welcoming people, pristine beaches and superb diving on the lake plus mountains to climbs, tea plantations to visit and the big 5 to see on safari make
“Malawi well deserved of this accolade. Ulendo Safaris has been offering assistance to tourists for over 15 years and so we know what Malawi has to offer and are excited that Lonely Planet agree with us and hope that their stamp of approval will give our tourism industry a great boost,” she said,.
She said that Malawi is a growing tourism force to be reckoned and the country’s on-going marketing will support the trade and continue to draw upon the county’s first class wildlife experiences, pioneering conservation efforts, stunning beaches, water-sports, landscapes, culture, people, much famed lake and relaxed ‘bare foot’ luxury appeal, making it a compelling holiday destination for a broad range of travellers.
Among the five reasons listed in the book as to why Malawi is a-must-visit country this year is that it gives people a chance to unveil the secret lives of Malawi’s Chewa people, their culture and their ancestral spirits.
One of the country’s leading culture heritage site KuNgoni Centre for Arts and Culture, showcases various cultural heritages especially the Chewa heritage.
On special occasions, the place holds various traditional dances such as gule wamkulu and other dances performed by both males and females.
As with everything in Malawi, the focus is on the community, not the individual, and the message in the songs that drug addiction will undermine the cohesion and unity of the village.
