 TOURISM: MALAWI´S ENGINE OF GROWTH |
Identified as an alternative to tobacco, tourism has formany years been the main foreign exchange earner. Malawi’s policy concentrates on the improvement and modernisation of infrastructure. The roads leading to tourist destinations are undergoing major maintenance repairs. Power and telecommunications also need to move in sync with the essential infrastructure developments. After careful analysis of the economy of the country it is believed that tourism will play a vital role in its future developments.
According to the Minister of Tourism, Parks and Wildlife, Dr. George Nga Mtafu, "the country plans to introduce cruise ships on the beautiful lake Malawi. The Lake is the third largest in Africa and it’s unspoilt beauty is second to none: scenic views encompass visitors to relax and enjoy the romance and splendour of a bygone era. Known by many as the "Lake of stars", visitors can enjoy the tranquillity and peace of breathtaking sunsets, bask in the sun, windsurf or swim in the lakes transparent waters. Today, one can find leisure centres mushrooming along the lakeshore nearby historical areas of cultural heritage. Those travelling by boat can enjoy stopovers at various places along the shore. | The country has also created development zones in many areas that have been identified and split into different phases of development.
Mtafu added, "We would want to make sure that tourists come into the country not only because of the beauty but also the African experience." He adds, "People should be interested in seeing wildlife as well as the rich cultural heritage that the people of Malawi are proud of."
Malawi has and will always remain the home to some of the most striking natural beauty in the whole of Africa having a diversity of features like the lake, mountains, wildlife and parks. Located in Southern Africa between the17th and 19th parallels, Malawi is long and narrow bordering Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique.
Since the new government entered office under the leadership of Dr. Bakili Muluzi, the number of visitors has been increasing at an average annual rate of 7 %. Visitors have increased from 162,559 in 1994 to 217,937 in 1998. Provisional figures for 1999 indicate that about 250,000 visitors will be recorded, representing an increase of 34 % between 1994 and 1999. The passion of Africa has lured visitors worldwide to experience its beauty for decades. The growth of tourism in the region has seen mass commercialisation in many countries but Malawi has watched the developments of its neighbours tourism sectors carefully and has managed to adapt a tourism policy that will for many years sustain the true essence of the African experience. |
