International tourism showcase returns

By Wezzie Gausi:

The Takulandirani Malawi International Tourism Expo (Mite) returns for the first time in three years, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism indicate.

The exhibition is expected to take place from April 26 to 28 at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, after a break due to the Covid pandemic.

Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe on Thursday, Minister of Wildlife, Tourism and Culture Michael Usi said the registration process is underway for exhibitors who wish to participate in this year’s fair.

He said the country expects to host 52 delegates, of which 40 are buyers and 12 are members of the media.

“These delegates are coming from our key source markets which are the United States, United Kingdom (UK), Germany and China as well as countries within the region, which are South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“To ensure local ownership and participation, my ministry is in the process of devolving some of its core functions to local councils. I am happy to report that the devolution plan was approved by the Office of the President and Cabinet for implementation,” Usi said.

Director of Information in the Ministry of Information and Digitisation Chikumbutso Mtumodzi urged the press to work together with the government to make the event a success.

“The media need to make it a habit of reporting positive issues regarding the various sectors earmarked to develop the economy. Developments in the tourism sector clearly show that the nation is heading in the right direction,” Mtumodzi said.

The aim of the expo is to create market access for local operators who may not have access to international markets to promote their businesses.

Tourism has been identified as one of the sectors with the potential to transform the local economy.