Malawi must use tourism to grow economy-minister

Malawi Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Culture Daniel Liwimbi says the tourism sector is one of the fastest growing in the world and must be used as an integral tool for eradicating poverty in Malawi.

Speaking on Thursday during the launch of Tourism Week at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Liwimbi said government has identified tourism as one of the five important sectors that can propel the economy.

“As government, we know that tourism can help the country bring in more forex if we sell the country very well.

“The tourism sector is the fastest growing sector in the world and a partner for sustainable development. It also offers prospects for more adequate resources for energy poverty reduction,” said Liwimbi.

He said government has instituted programmes to promote the sustainable use of energy sources in the country to attract the modern tourist.

“A modern tourist is conscious with sustainability issues, therefore, if the country is competitive, we need to embrace such technologies,” said Liwimbi.

He added that by adopting these technologies, it will also assist to reduce the pressure on natural resources and make Malawi a leading and responsible sustainable tourist destination.

One of the managers at Kumbali Lodge, Scott Gray, concurred with the minister that today’s tourists are conscious of renewable energy and Malawi is the best place they can experience that.

Kumbali is an up market Lodge outside Lilongwe which promotes the use of sustainable energy.

The lodge is where American pop star Madonna lives every time she is in the country.

“Malawi is the only genuinely peaceful country remaining in the world and that is our strength when it comes to marketing the country. This country has never experienced war and it is a must visit for any tourist who values peace,” said Gray.

The theme for this year’s National Tourism week is Tourism as Sustainable Energy Pioneering Sustainable Development.