Minister demands high standards in hotels

Tourism and Culture Minister Moses Kunkuyu made a surprise hotel visit in Blantyre on Thursday to check if the hotels were meeting expected standards.

Accompanied by officials from the ministry, Kunkuyu toured Malawi Institute of Tourism (MIT), which runs an eatery, Malawi Sun Hotel and HotelVictoria.

The minister said in an interview that the tour was routine and aimed at giving them a chance to appreciate what the hotels are offering or detect shortfalls for redress.

Kunkuyu said overall, Malawi Sun and Victoria hotels and MIT are maintaining high standards expected of them.

“What will happen is that officials at the ministry who accompanied me will compile a report and we will share that with the concerned institutions,” Kunkuyu said.

He, however, said the team was impressed with accommodation rooms both at Hotel Victoria and Malawi Sun and he urged them to keep it up.

The minister said Malawi can attract more tourists if hotels across the nation maintain high international standards and in the long-run contribute to the economic development of the nation.

He said all institutions in the hospitality industry must strive to offer the best or risk loss of business.