Minister takes Malawi tourism to UK
International tour operators packaging Malawi as a travel destination are finding it more profitable as positive strides in the sector are attracting new tourists, Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry Salim Bagus has told a global audience of operators.
The minister was speaking on Tuesday evening in London, United Kingdom at the World Travel Market when he hosted a cocktail and raffle draw for tour operators at the Malawi pavilion which included a courtesy return ticket to Malawi donated by Ethiopian Airlines.
Said Bagus: “Malawi’s profile has been rising with our achievements in wildlife protection. We are the newest big five destination.
“We are attracting new travellers and I can assure every operator Malawi is now a profitable venture for any serious operator looking to invest in African tourism market.”
He said government is committed to improving the sector as evidenced by the recent launch of the electronic visa (e-Visa) which will reduce the process and delays tourists visiting Malawi were facing.
“We remain the safest destination, very peaceful and one of the best destinations in terms of products that we offer. We remain the Warm Heart of Africa, where tourists experience the real African hospitality and natural scenic views,” said the minister.
He further said his ministry will support any new and old players that wish to expand their investment’s into Malawi, urging them to “seize the positives reviews” that have dominated the travel industry placing Malawi as one of the must-see destinations for travels.
The Malawi team includes the Department of Tourism, Land and Lakes Safaris, Central African Wilderness Safaris, Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium, Malawian Style, Fisherman’s Nest and Sunbird Hotels and Resorts.
The raffle draw, which was won by Allison Pembridge of JK Adventures, was a highly patronised event spiced up by Malawi Gin, Premier Brandy, Linga Wine, Rab Nuts, ComNorzi and Macadamia nuts which saw hundreds of tour operators at the show wipe out entire stocks within half an hour of the scheduled two-hour cocktail.
The pavilion with a thatched hut with a background of Lake Malawi, Ingoma dancers and Mulanje Mountain and tea plantations, is also attracting visitors who are taking selfies and snap chats, with one Mark Jerssen from Belgium describing it as a “reflection of African beauty”.
