Sunbird signs agreement to manage Chintheche Inn

In a bid to advance its brand expansion efforts and extend its footprint in the country, Sunbird Tourism plc will be managing Chintheche Inn in Nkhata Bay effective October 1 2020.

The arrangement follows a concession agreement with the Government of Malawi to manage the lakeside resort, now to be known as Chintheche Inn by Sunbird Hotels & Resorts.

Sunbird Tourism plc chief executive officer Yusuf Olela said the premium local hotel chain is keen to ensure that Malawi is a preferred tourism destination.

He said: “As part of the group, Chintheche Inn will have the distinct advantage of leveraging Sunbird Tourism’s significant investment in people, products, processes and marketing.

“It is our intention to add more value to the product through investments that will improve the operational efficiencies and increase the topline with the goal of ensuring a profitable entity.”

Olela said the Malawi Stock Exchange-listed hotel chain continues to explore opportunities to further diversify and grow its product portfolio by focusing on leisure resorts and increased activities.

“We believe that these key focus areas will help propel enthusiasm for Malawi, and for tourists to visit Malawi with Sunbird, as the footprint continues to extend to all corners of Malawi,” he said.

The hotel chain has eight properties, including four city hotels, namely Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre, Sunbird Lilongwe and Capital in Lilongwe and Sunbird Mzuzu, two beach resorts at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi and Sunbird Livingstonia Beach in Salima, Sunbird Ku Chawe in Zomba, Sunbird Kara O’Mula in Mulanje and Sunbird Thawale inside Majete Wildlife Reserve in Chikwawa.

Sunbird Tourism plc is 71 percent owned by Malawi Government, 15 percent by Press Corporation plc and 14 percent by the  public.