New Tourism Minister on task to unveil Malawi as world’s best kept secret
Malawi is home to some of Africa's best tourist attractions, including abundant wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and a range of other exciting offerings that are sure to attract any visitor. However, the country's newly appointed Tourism Minister, Vera Kamtukule, believes that it is Malawi's people and rich cultures that make it a must-visit destination. Speaking at the ITB Berlin Tourism Expo in Germany, Kamtukule stated that the country's resilience and the stories behind its people set it apart from anywhere else in the world.
One of Malawi's main attractions is Lake Malawi, the fifth largest freshwater lake in the world by volume and the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa. Kamtukule noted that while the lake and other attractions remain undiscovered by many Malawians, she is determined to change that and promote domestic tourism. She believes that by increasing local tourism, Malawi can boost its volumes and create economic opportunities for the larger population who may not have the resources to explore the country's natural wonders.
According to Vera Kamtukule, Malawi's newly appointed Tourism Minister, it's important for Malawians to experience their own country before selling it to others. "Everyone is a tourism officer, from the president to the lowest person possible," she said, adding that Malawians need to be exposed to their own country. Kamtukule believes that Malawi's rich tourism offerings should be opened up to the rest of the world, as the country is often referred to as the world's best-kept secret. However, accessibility remains a challenge, with only a limited number of airlines flying into the country. Kamtukule is working with other ministries and stakeholders to provide incentives to attract more airlines to Malawi.