Trade, Industry and Private Sector Development Partners have said Malawi faces challenges to embrace effective policies to enable public and private sector alignment to achieve a viable socio-economic development.
In an update on Tuesday, the donors cited key constraints in the tourism sector that include inadequate supporting infrastructure and services.
The donors also argue that implementing the Yamoussoukro Declaration on open skies, which Malawi is a signatory, would enable a substantial increase in air access at a lower cost and subsequently international airlines’ direct flights between Lilongwe and other cities, thereby reducing stopovers.
Reads the update in part: “Some of the reasons for high-cost airfares include excessive flight ticket taxes.
“The absence of direct flights leads to longer travel times, increased costs, reduced flexibility and potential disruptions.”
While urging the government to consider reducing landing fees and aviation fuel costs and develop infrastructure and security to attract international airlines, the donors have asked for the acceleration of the development and gazetting of the regulations of the Tourism Industry Act 2025 enacted by Parliament on April 9.
The donors said in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, tourism ministries are dedicated to policy formulation and analysis while public-private tourism boards handle cross-cutting policy and regulatory implementation.
According to the African Airlines Association, the average amount paid in taxes and fees by passengers in Africa is more than twice what air travellers in other continents pay.
It said taxes and fees on African air tickets average $64 (about K112 064); while in Europe, it averages $30 (about K52 530) per ticket.
In an interview on Saturday, tourism commentator and Orbis Destination Management Company managing director Innocent Kaliati said connectivity has been an outstanding issue for a long time with no solution in sight.
He said: “It’s a cross-cutting issue that requires ministries of Tourism, Transport, Finance and others to work together but it is surely going to be a monumental task to turn things around.”
Tourism is part of the agriculture, tourism and mining (ATM) strategy to help revitalise the country’s economy.
Malawi Government recognises tourism as a priority sector that can be used as a vehicle for economic growth and poverty alleviation as outlined in the Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development plan.
