Poor transport killing Mzuzu’s tourism potential
Grand Palace Hotel co-director Arief Anwerbeig has asked government to improve road and air transport to attract tourists to the ever-green city.
The city is not only the commercial hub of the Northern Region, but also a gateway to such tourism attractions as Nyika National Park, Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve, Lake Malawi, Lake Kazuni and the historic Livingstonia Mission Station.
Anwerbeig, speaking after a tour of Mzuzu’s newest hotel, said the poor state of Mzuzu airport as well as the roads connecting the city have left its scenic scenes and vibrant culture largely unknown to the rest of the world.
For decades, Sunbird Mzuzu was the only upmarket hotel in the region.
“Mzuzu has huge tourism potential. The chilly weather, stunning scenery and vibrant culture are perfect for what we are trying to achieve here. When we came here, we wanted a place which would not only attract people to come and enjoy what the city has on offer, but also give them a hotel experience like no other.
“But we have come to realise it is hard to do business here because of the roads and the airport continue to deprive the city of convenient coaches and flights like those that ply between Blantyre and Lilongwe,” said Anwerbeig.
Mayor of Mzuzu William Mkandawire said improving the transport network would catalyse growth in the tourism sector in the Northern Region.
