experienced many challenges throughout my life and career but I believe that most of them came because of who I am . My personality would clash with conventional wisdom and usually this would cause some rifts . Also , I respect deadlines , and if my job requires the input of others , I will transfer that pressure so that deadlines are met . Others find this assertive character intimidating or even aggressive .
The unconventional mode of operation for me is what has gotten me this far . I am highly inquisitive and therefore I always want to understand why something cannot be achieved using other means . I always believe that people can do better in different settings , given different challenges than what they are used to as by nature , God ’ s intention for mankind is that we must win always .
Armed with this belief I am ever compelled to prop up others to prosperity . I challenge them using their own submissions and the results have been nothing short of amazing . I am a leadership and life coach , and you cannot win in that line of work if you have to inspire people to merely do conventional everyday things ; it would simply be a waste of time .
Before discussing the Board we would like to have some context for our readers . How important is Tourism to the economy of Malawi ? What is the percentage contribution to GDP ? What does the future , pending any unforeseen occurrence , look like and what initiatives are you putting in place to ensure this comes to pass ?
We don ’ t have a Board at the moment but there is process on reviewing the law which will give rise to the Tourism Authority . Tourism pre-covid-19 contributed to about 6.5 % to the GDP and we anticipate that the in next year tourism will contribute about 4.5 % to GDP . We want to implement the blue print for tourism which is the Tourism Investment Masterplan where 103 sites have been identified with potential for tourism development . We have already conducted pre-feasibility studies for 10 of these sites at the moment and these are ready for investment .
Now we turn to Malawi putting on the lenses of a potential tourist . Broadly , what does Malawi have to offer ?
Malawi is compact in size , rich in diversity and big in hospitality - that ’ s our brand essence . We are a complete African holiday experience offering beach , cultural , wilderness and wildlife experience . We have the world ’ s third largest fresh water lake with its associated activities and ecoislands . That lake has over 1000 species of fish which is the largest number of species for any body of water in the world . Lake Malawi national park , UNESCO ’ s world heritage site , was the first ever national park in the world to inhabit humans , lake and animals . Our national and game parks have the most amazing species of game in the world .
However , we are not called the Warm Heart of Africa for nothing ! Over and above our natural endowments , the smiles and stories behind our people will change anybody ’ s life forever , and that , is why everybody must visit Malawi at least once in their lifetime .
If you were to describe Malawi in 3 words , which would they be and what do you think is its USP ( Unique Selling Proposition ) that sets it apart from other tourist destinations ? I would describe Malawi in as the ‘ Warm Hearted Country ’ and hence the tagline the ‘ Warm Heart of Africa ’! This tagline reflects what we Malawi as a people are . We welcome visitors in our homes and our nature has also allowed us to extend that warmth to visitors within and from a far . Therefore , in concluding this topic , though Malawi has a lot to offer , our unique strength , which you call USP , are its people - who are remarkably resilient , even in the face of adversity , always welcoming , smiling , and genuinely warm and always ready to help .
Malawi at least on face value , how would you sell Malawi to a Kenyan looking for a different experience ? In short why would a Kenyan visit Malawi ?
I am a believer . And there is a verse in the Bible that I like so much and allow me to quote it here verbatim for emphasis : “ we do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves . When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves , they are not wise ”. Kenyans and Malawians are one people and our heritage is similar . However , comparing the two will be misplaced . Differences in culture are there just like with any other nation ; however , what Malawi offers to a Kenyan who may wish to experience something other than what they are used to , apart from our large body of fresh water , will always be our people .
Where do most of your tourists come from ? Most of our tourists are from UK , USA , Holland , German and the EU , we are also getting a lot of travelers from our neighbors and South Africa remains a big source market for holiday makers
One of the challenges facing African countries as they endeavor to increase their tourist visitors is the low numbers of domestic tourists .
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