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Amaryllis gets 5-star status

 Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife has accorded Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre a five-star grading.

Speaking in Blantyre yesterday when announcing the findings of government’s recent assessment of the hospitality sector, line minister Michael Usi said the facility has outstanding service and; hence, deserves the rating..

He said: “Not only is their infrastructure outstanding; their services—from food to accommodation—was also found top notch. That is the spirit my ministry wants to help boost the sector. Quality should never be compromised at the expense of profit-making. I wonder what took the tourism board so long to grade the facility accordingly.”

Usi (L), the hotel’s general manager Ramy Waheed (R)
and an official during the ceremony

The minister, however, warned players in the industry that government will not hesitate to revoke operating licences should they become complacent.

Usi further cautioned fellow politicians and top government officials to desist from abusing their powers by demanding complementary services from such facilities “as has been the case in the past”.

He added: “We are drumming support towards growing the sector by empowering the players. It will be naïve, especially for fellow government ministers, to come to places like these and hope to enjoy the services free of charge. Everyone has to pay.

“In the event that you want to offer complementary services to any government official— which I may personally not encourage—I would advise you not to do it under duress. It breeds a culture of corruption and this administration, as you are aware, has waged total war on the same.”

Amaryllis Hotel chief executive officer Yusuf Shiraz Yusuf pledged that the hotel will work towards maintaining the status which he described as an honour.

He said: “Considering the competition in the industry, we do not take such an honour for granted. For sure, there is always room for improvement but I want to assure you all that we are looking to beat our own records in many aspects.

“Meanwhile, our specialty remains that we are arguably the only artful blend of modern affordable luxury and Malawian hospitality.”

The development comes just days after President Lazarus Chakwera pledged to introduce a wide range of tourism investment incentives to make the country a more attractive tourism investment destination.

“The incentives will ensure that investment opportunities in tourism are both comprehensive and accessible to both local and international investors,” Chakwera recently said when he presided over the launch of Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre

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