Tourism sector injects  K100bn in Malawi economy

Government officials say the tourism sector has injected K100 billion in 2017 alone, creating 235, 000 jobs for local Malawians.

Kaya Mawa is a very chic and stylish beach Lodge along Lake Malawi, the ‘Warm Haert of Africa’

Principal secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism Ken Ndala was all joy and excitement during the launch of Malawi Tourism month, saying this means the tourism industry has potential to improve the economy and reduce high-levels of unemployment.

Ndala said the at least 835, 000 tourists visited Malawi in 2017, saying the tourism has the potential to replace tobacco as the top forex earner.

“The K100 billion we realized from tourism is 10 per cent of the national budget, which is impressive,” he said.

However, Tourism director Isaac Katopola said tourists still complain of high visa fees in Malawi compared to other countries in the Sadc region.

Currently, tourists pay US$75 as visa fee to enter Malawi as compared to other Sadc countries where they pay US$50.

“We are in talks with the ministry of Home Affairs on the possibility of reducing the visa fees. I am happy to say that the results are positive,” said Katopola.

He said the new visa fee of US$50 will be implemented soon, saying this will attract more tourists to come to Malawi.

Malawi is among a few wonderful holiday destinations but lack of proper infrastructure hampers the growth of the sector.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
7 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
QueenB
QueenB
5 years ago

Why are trying to destroy the same resource that brings all this tourism to Malawi? Stop the corruption and stop the oil drilling nonsense. Once the oil spills, that will be the end of life and tourism on our beautiful lake.

Joovido
Joovido
5 years ago

If tourism sector only can create 235,000 jobs then what can make it impossible to one million jobs in all sectors within one year. With proper planning and corrupt free administration this can be achieved

Chemjambe
Chemjambe
5 years ago
Reply to  Joovido

Eti eti ndiye wina kumatsutsa kuti it’s impossible to create 1million jobs in a year if only tourism can employ the whole 1/4 of it

Let’s dream big it is possible my friends!!!!!

Khumbo Nyirongo
Khumbo Nyirongo
5 years ago

I agree with the Minister. Tourism is something that can propel economic growth and development.

Che-Mbaluku
Che-Mbaluku
5 years ago

Its a positive and welcome development to align visa charges with that of other SADC region as Malawi is on the same regional block; however a tourist can not be detracted or discouraged because of $25 (K18,250 @ 725.6548/$1 current rate). Government must come up with more attractive offers and deliberate waivers on operators of tourist site to ably import quality supplies for fitting and development to compete on international standards.

Kalukusha
Kalukusha
5 years ago

it’s an undeniable fact that there no immediate or potentially perfect replacement for tobacco. Here’s what the tobacco industry does to the economy in summary. Hospitality industry gets busy as buying companies send representatives across markets for sales, rest houses guest houses restaurants are in business. When tobacco is in season transporters/hauling companies are in business, telecommunication comp[anise get a great benefit as well. one scenario I can roughly sum up is this; All tobacco companies process tobacco in Lilongwe Industrial area. When you look at transport sector alone moving 109,000,000kg from Kasungu Mzuzu and Limbe Market costs roughly K6,540,000,000… Read more »

Mphwache
Mphwache
5 years ago
Reply to  Kalukusha

That’s a little less than 10,000 hectares of industrial hemp. Maybe its time we moved away from tobacco

Read previous post:
Malawi Electoral Commission clears fears of foreigners’ registration

The fifth phase of voter registration exercise started on a positive note in Mulanje despite fears that some Mozambicans would...

Close