By Witness Chipwere:
The number of tourists patronising destinations in the country grew by 37.6 percent in the 2023-24 financial year, figures from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife show.
The department says it noted a steady rise in the number of tourists visiting protected areas during the year under review.
According to the department, in the 2023-24 financial year, about 72,275 tourists visited the destinations, up from about 52,520 a year before.
Speaking in an interview Director of Wildlife and National Parks Brighton Kumchedwa said when the Covid pandemic was at peak, the country experienced a sharp decline in the number of tourists.
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Kumchedwa said the numbers are now picking up steadily as travel restrictions were lifted.
He said the introduction of free visa passes for travelers from about 79 countries has also contributed to the rise in the number of tourists visiting Malawi.
“Increased tourism can provide additional funding for the conservation and maintenance of protected areas, aiding in the preservation of wildlife and natural habits, and also higher numbers can bring economic benefits to the local communities through job creation, increased revenue from tourism—related activities and a boost to the hospitality sector,” he said.
Environmental activist Charles Bakolo said the rise in the number of tourists entering the country is a positive sign that the sector has vast potential for growth.
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“And this is something that we should be proud of because now we are looking at the economic benefit that we would get from the tourism sector, because the tourism sector is one of the economic heavyweights. If we are to develop the country, we need to invest more,” Bakolo said.
In February this year, President Lazarus Chakwera lifted entry visa fees for travellers from 79 countries in a move aimed at bolstering Malawi’s tourism sector.
Under the revised regulations, nationals from the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa do not require visas when entering Malawi.
Malawi is home to five national parks, four wildlife reserves and three major sanctuaries in the country.
