MALAWI SHORES UP SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC TOURISM AS COVID-19 BITES

By Ian Soko

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife says domestic tourism remains Malawi’s untapped resource whose potential has been visible for all to see in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

With foreign travel restricted in many countries, Malawi’s tourism industry has been dealt a huge blow as the sector has for a long time heavily relied on foreign tourists. 

Officials have since challenged locals and foreigners staying in Malawi to "develop culture for travel" as well as interest to go on holiday once in a while. 

Against this background, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife has been engaging media managers to lobby for more support to promote domestic tourism. 

Malawi’s tourism enjoys frequent tourist travels from Germany, Netherlands, Britain and the United States.

Latest data documented in 2017 show tourism industry generated K158 Billion in revenue. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry has never received budgetary support amounting to a billion kwacha despite its underutilized potential to transform the country.