
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-This is year’s Malawi tourism expo is estimated to cost about MK75 million to host according to event organizers.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Henry Mussa told the news conference this week in the capital Lilongwe that the tourism expo will require much material and financial support to be successful.
Mussa disclosed that although there is need to source more funds, all is set for the event with the call that stakeholders in the industry must come forward with any support for the smooth running of the event.
He added that the tourism expo does not only showcase tourism products but demonstrate the linkages between the tourism industry and other support services.
The minister, however, disclosed that at continental level, national tourism boards, tourism ministries and departments, regional tourism operators and the media from South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others, have confirmed participation in the expo.
“I wish to extend a special appeal to various subsectors that support the tourism industry directly and indirectly such as telecommunications, banking, transportation, ICT and advertising, among others, to forge partnerships with the Department of Tourism to sponsor the event.
The event has also been organized as part of the government’s strategy to accord tourism priority status in the Malawi Development Goals which include tourism as a key economic driver for social economic development,” Mussa said.
This is where local and international tourism stakeholders exhibit different tourism products to enhance their visibility as a tourist destination as well as build business relationships.
The exposition, dubbed ‘TAKULANDILANI’, is scheduled for August 30 to September 1 2017.
Mussa said the event is part of the recommendations that were made at a national tourism conference held in April 2017Meanwhile, international buyers, visitors and key source markets from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and China have confirmed to attend the tourism expo which is the first of its kind in Malawi.