By Lisa Lamya

Blantyre, September 2, Mana: One of the country’s tourism advocates Colby Mughogho said Malawi should invest more in road infrastructure to make tourist destinations more convenient and accessible to make the industry a reliable and all-time forex earner.

Mughogho made the sentiments in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday as the country observes the tourism month of September.

“Malawi has the potential to generate more forex from the tourism industry but we need to invest in infrastructure development among other key issues, for instance, tourists endure a 15-hour drive from Lilongwe to Nyika National Park because of poor roads. I believe if we had a good airport in the North it would ease this burden,” Mughogho said.

Mughogho who has also represented Malawi at several international tourism expos noted that digital marketing has significantly expanded in Malawi over the years and that Malawi is leveraging it effectively to attract tourists

“We have uncovered hidden gems, and when shared online, both local and international tourists show interest in visiting. However, challenges persist such as, poor road conditions and subpar standards at lodges in some areas,” he added.

He shared plans to promote several lesser-known destinations and emerging destinations in the tourism month and according to Mughogho these destinations hold great potential and can lure more tourists.

“There are various destinations that we will promote this year for instance Misuku Hills in Chitipa, the Usisya to Livingstonia hiking trail, and Vwaza Game Reserve which offers Lake Kazuni where one can enjoy a boat ride while spotting some of the big five, such as elephants,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Tourism through its spokesperson, Joseph Nkosi said this year’s tourism month offers yet another opportunity to sell Malawi’s attraction sites.

 “September is a month of tourism in Malawi and so we will capitalise all opportunities to ensure we generate revenue but also encourage Malawians to patronise attraction sites not just the well-known ones but also the least known,” said Nkosi.

In his State of Nation Address in February this year, President, Lazarus Chakwera said his administration was on course to promote the tourism sector by increasing the number of airlines traveling into Malawi and working on bilateral Air Service Agreements with countries like Mozambique, Uganda, and Kuwait among others.