Tourism Expo excites operators

Tourism sector operators in the country have expressed excitement with the two-day Takulandirani Tourism Expo which opened yesterday in Lilongwe.

The operators believe the expo will re-energise Malawi’s tourism  which is just recovering from the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic.

In an interview at the Expo yesterday, Sunbird Tourism Plc head of sales and marketing Temwa Kanjadza said they have organised special packages which clients can take advantage of to enjoy the company’s chain of hospitality outfits. 

She said the packages are in different sizes and can be enjoyed by a cross section of guests depending on their choices.

Said Kanjadza: “As Sunbird, we are looking forward to more of these expos because we will have an opportunity to market not only Sunbird, but Malaŵi as a tourist destination of choice. This will avail to us an opportunity to hook up more clients and add onto our business.”

In a separate interview, Amarylis Hotel general manager Ramy Waheed said Malawi is ready to take off after a period of slackened business due to Covid-19, but it requires boldness and being resolute on the part of players to organise events such as the expo. 

He said: “The problem is that instead of focusing on creating more opportunities to sell ourselves, sometimes we waste time blaming and pointing fingers on who we think is not doing it. We are on the right course to improving our status as an international tourism destination of choice.”

On her part, African Parks-Majete Wildlife Reserve assistant manager Beatrice Mwale said the event gives them an opportunity to reach out to more potential clients. 

She said people who patronise the expo will serve as ambassadors of goodwill when they return to their respective countries.

Said Mwale: “Word of mouth is very powerful and we are expecting these guests to share their first-hand experience to their colleagues and that, will give us an opportunity to have tourist traffic increased.”

In her remarks, Minister of Tourism and Culture Vera Kamtukule said she was happy with the turn of events at the Expo.

She said: “We wanted to raise consciousness on tourism as far as its contribution towards the country’s socio-economic development is concerned, and we have managed to achieve that.”

Touching on the issue of bad roads leading to most tourism locations, Minister of Transport Jacob Hara said government is restoring all transport infrastructure whose deterioration has been aggravated by Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

He, however, said Malawians must be prepared to pay for the same.

Said Hara: “This is going to happen at a cost and Malawians must expect a little bit of tolling that is going to be introduced in order to finance this massive project.”

The minister added that government will also be looking at other options of raising money for the transport infrastructure construction.

“We will also be talking to banks and looking at other means of raising the finances from within the country,” he said. 

The Takulandirani International Tourism Expo has brought in potential buyers and international media to appreciate the country’s culture and natural beauty, among other tourism attractions.

Last week, Ministry of Tourism Principal Secretary Chauncy Simwaka said the Expo had received overwhelming support, with 108 exhibitors having paid for it against 70 that the ministry had planned for. It is expected to end today.