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Poaching, a major challenge in Liwonde National Park n Cashing in on tourism

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Rediscovering Ecotorism Page 2

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HOT
INSTITUTIONS

Special Essay
with ALICK NyASULU

Tourism

the following institutions and organisations are promoting tourism in malawi

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. airways travel asaba Car hire beach Villa byte Lodge Cedar Place Chilembwe Lodge Ethopian airlines Gold Card Executive Lodge Grace bandawe Conference

10. hippo View 11. illala Crest Lodge 12. Krazy Foods 13. Lacarvena 14. Likhubula Forest Lodge 15. mafumu Lodge 16. majete Game reserve 17. malawi Gaming board 18. manguzi Lodge 19. masuku Lodge 20. mera 21. min of tourism 22. mkango Lodge 23. National bank 24. Nkomadzi 25. Nyanja Eco Lodge 26. Peters Lodge 27. Rennies travel 28. Royal Comfort Lodge 29. Rubys 30. Sana 31. Shire Lodge 32. Skylinks 33. Steers 34. Sun and Sand 35. Sunbird 36. tasty bites 37. Victoria Forex

Rediscovering ecotourism
Ecotourism has become one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. It is growing annually by between 10 and 15 percent worldwide. It is the practice of low-impact, educational, ecologically and culturally sensitive travel that benefits both local communities and host countries. It remains a concept highly profitable. Its benefits astound any cool headed environmentalists and social economists. Some countries such as Kenya, South Africa and Puerto Rico have taken it to high levels. Exotic islands of Seychelles, Maldives, Vanuatu, Palau, Fiji, Tahiti, Bali and Mauritius have turned it into a multi-billion industry. It has put their countries on the global map and continues to attract tourists in great numbers. Malawi with its great tropical climate, beautiful hills, plateaus, smiling faces, abundant fresh waters, fresh organic foods and deep rooted cultures sits on gold that ecotourists seek to discover. The world has taken climate change as a big issue to address global warming. Behind the initiatives to address global warming lie great opportunities for sustainable tourism business. Great benefits abound and with them, accrue to various players. Local communities benefit from jobs or supply of produce and more important, play a crucial role in preserving their cultures. Cultures form a unique identity of communities and the modern day visitor is keen to learn more about it. Usually eco-tourism requires creating facilities that maintain the tranquility, conserve the surrounding outlook of the environment at low impact scale. It offers visitors unrivalled beauty of nature and joy. The average investor in eco-tourism can use simple local materials, put in projects that involve the communities with a conservation theme while reaping economic benefits. Small sized accommodation facilities linked with a particular theme such as local museums, cultural events, environment conservation initiatives such as organic farming. Being small scale sized, with the ambiance of modern day town hotel facilities, eco-tourism ensures that local communities are actively engaged in protecting their environment. The typical high street hotel, while good, is not often in the best interest of the environment, especially in the terrain of our virgin, but beautiful coasts or mountains, hills that Malawi boasts of. There are people out there craving to visit places that are bound in history, mythology and more important, that depicts a modern day Garden of Eden, unexploited, endowed in natural life and full in environment richness. It certainly remains investment with an environmental face. Malawi is rich in such places, yet their economic potential has not been fully exploited. We are sitting on such a gem that can unlock the various gains such as forex exchange, that we hysterically crave for. Examples abound that we can use to attract lovers of nature, myth and history. The magical beauty PAGE 8

Magnificent Mandala Falls on Zomba Mountain

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PAGE 2 of Matchewe Falls, that generated the first hydroelectricity in the whole of southern Africa. The adjacent historical Livingstonia Mission famed with Dr Robert Laws. The mythical kabuha track down the Livingstonia escarpment satirised in Du Chisizas Kabuha Tradegy, the sad tales of the 1946 sinking of the Vipya at Florence Bay in modern day Chitimba. A budding cocoon of communities rooted in deep history, culture, religion and the simplicity of life that our colleagues in the West yearn for. The Chingwe Hole at the peak of Zomba Mountain and its unique climate of the mountain that allows any exotic fruit from strawberry to granadilla to grow like bush fruit while giving any visitor, a heavenly view of the Phalombe plains, and the apparent environmental transgressions of the Lake Chirwa basin. Velvet monkeys that freely roam Zomba Mountain in search of bush fruit. A typical taste of nature at play. For cultural lovers, the stories of Mbona at Khuluvi in the Lower Shire region that gets spiced with a panoramic view of the mighty Shire River down the hills, and the inviting, but friendly safari drive of the Majete to get a close grasp of unique impalas and elephants. The beautiful world renowned aquarium fish, cichlids (mbuna) at Lake Malawi National Park with a cultural touch of traditional dancers from Chembe Village. This is all, but an eco-tourism gem that we sit on. In the Central Region of Malawi, the joy of experiencing a Scandinavian chill of the Chongoni Hills. A taste of organic local produce along the M1 Road, invites the passion of the adventurous visitor of the 21st century stressed from the traffic jams of New york and London. The unmatched game of Kasungu National Park, home to greatest herd of elephants, to a rare but surprise encounter with lions in the darkness of the Kasungu-Nkhota Kota Road. Phoka Hills and the perennial streams from Nyika, just amaze any visitor of the abundance life with organic coffee growers on its feet. The streams continue their journey to the Lake of Stars. Mystical sounds of night birds take anyone to old fire place folk tales by grand papa. We are full of natural beauty and endowed with a great environment. Hot springs of Chiweta, its mysterious bush cows down the road and the after bath that accompanies

Rediscovering pleasures of ecotourism

adventure to a completely new level and lovers of nature are astronomically increasing. Attracting visitors to Malawi should take a new dimension to seek the adventure of people avoiding the squabbles and intricacies of city life. People are tuning into satellite channels like National Geographic and Discovery to have a feel of what Africa will offer. Unfortunately, the TV is full of the Kalahari, Serengeti, Malamala and Kruger. We have all it here plus the only fresh water national park that has both mammals and fish living in harmony. For policy makers at Capital Hill, especially in the light of the MGDS, and recent sentiments by the Minister of Economic Planning on an economic recovery plan, appropriate infrastructure needs have to be addressed to ensure easy access to such possible eco-tourism hot spots. We dont need further feasibility studies because Malawi, in common wisdom remains a potential major eco-tourism destination. We just need to make the life of a tourist a little bit more comfortable. Potential investors generally require places that are easily accessible. In our case, the state of the road network is appalling utmost. It remains a major hindrance for entrepreneurs to make a daring move to invest in such areas. Most of the places are not accessible during the rainy seasons. Businesses require a continuous flow of visitors to survive. Communities expected to benefit from eco-tourism can only be distracted from unfriendly environmental practices if eco-tour operators remain in a viable business. We are sitting on a potential forex earner. Time we walked the talk on various national budget pronouncements meant to improve roads. A good transport infrastructure and access to electricity are likely to trickle insurmountable benefits to communities. It can likely reduce the charcoal trade that is destroying habitat of animals and ecosystems. Specifically, communities can easily become part of the conservation process through linkages to eco-tourist businesses right on their door steps. Needs of a modern day tourist have become so complex yet simple. We now have environment conscious visitors. Its a fast growing market yet remains unexploited in our beautiful country.
Feedback: anyasulu@yahoo.com

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Mwalawamphini, one of the rare tourist attraction centres in Monkey Bay

the malipenga dance of the northern shores. To the sweet sting of beni military clad dancers of central and southern shores showcase a country rich in environmental and cultural puzzles. Cases I cite above are typically what eco-tourists are looking for. Investors seeking opportunities will need to consider some of these areas a must for their dollar. Benefits are not only stunning, but sustainable in a way that preserves old age traditions and the environment currently threatened by global warming and over population. We have many risks, however, to conserve the environment. Malawi population growth is among the highest in the world and much of the forest is being destroyed. The pressure on land remains high as sources of livelihood are restricted to an agrarian way of life. Chikangawa Forest is one good example that reminds us of the dangers of what short-

term economic gain can do to the environment. The forest is almost gone and stories of lions terrorising parts of Nkhata Bay are becoming common. Habitants are being destroyed. Conserving the environment through sustainable techniques is the only way other countries have managed to put themselves on a must-visit list of tourists. Establishing smallscale sized accommodation units in the most beautiful areas of our country and engaging the community in protecting their areas will lead to more tourists that yearn for great natural environment. Giving locals opportunities for employment and business opportunities to trade with bush establishments is good for the environment. More important, linking eco-tourists to the cultural activities of the communities will ensure that money flows to the entire community in one way or the other. Most of the times we do not know what visitors are looking

for. We often think people simply come to stay in some posh expensive town hotels to munch on steaks and fine wine. Not always. There is a lot of that, and of better quality in the western world. Some are simply keen to know how Malawi food is prepared, for instance. Why not offer some nsima cooking lessons and take the adventuring tourist to a maize mill in the outback to appreciate the food production chain. Others would love to understand mechanics of a chinkhoswe or engagement ceremony in the village or bush mushroom collection. The beauty about it remains that there is an aspect of conserving the environment and culture. At the same-time, communities are assured of economic benefits that arise from involving them in the business. Investors will reap their profits. By sharing their wealth through community involvement, the beauty of our environment is sustained. Tourists have taken

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Responding to Tourism in Malawi

WILLIAM KAUNDA The call to all Malawians, young and old, to make Malawi a tourist nation has been sounded time and again and has loudly been sounded. Whoever has ears has heard. Benefits that may accrue if Malawi indeed can be turned into a tourist destination are well documented and have also been sounded. However, what is remaining is the response to such a humble call. The response to such a call is the critical ingredient in turning things around and achieving the intentions of the call. All participants are therefore expected to respond to the call. One of the key participants in the development of tourism in the country is the financial industry banks to be precise. Banks play a critical role in facilitating payments in the tourism industry. Payment for goods and services oils the tourism industry to roll. While on a tour, one has to make various payments to operators such as hotels, B&Bs, lodges, restaurants, taxis, car hire operators, boat hire, canoe taxi and many others. The service provider who receives such payment also uses the money to replenish, service, and provide more goods and services. It is at the middle of this payment cycle that banks ought to provide a conducive facilitation environment. In addition to providing capital for establishing tourism service areas and other operating costs where necessary, banks must be providing a payment systems and channels that are easily accessible, affordable, and conducive. Various systems and channels are available to banks and banks, despite substantial investment required to setup such, have to setup and complement various efforts that are need to boost tourism in Malawi. While branch outlets can be one way of providing such, it is obvious that such outlets may not be located where such tourist areas of attraction may be. Take Nyika for example. Bank outlets are miles away from such a breathtaking scenery of the plains of Nyika plateau. It is also inconceivable to expect a tourist to carry a bag full of cash around all the way to serene place like Nyika plateau. Neither would it be ideal to carry bags of money to Likoma Island half London as it is popularly known. By the way, when I visited the Caribbean, I noticed that apart from the sugar plantations and the infestation of hurricanes, Likoma and Chizumulu are well placed to compete with the Caribbeans and they are just around the corner. It is therefore easy and secure for one to carry a plastic card that is an acceptable means of payment. The provider of such services has to have a simple machine which is so dynamic that when it is married to the card, though in a brief moment called swipe or insertion, it has to accept the exact payment amount and deposit it automatically in the service providers bank account. Having said this, it is must be known that National Bank of Malawi, in its quest to serve the nation, pioneered the availability of point of sale devices (POS) and has so far managed to provide such services across the country. NBM POS devices, as they are branded, are available in Lower Shire tourist establishments, Mulanje, KuChawe, Mangochi, Monkey-Bay, Cape Maclear, Salima, Likoma Island, Chintheche, Karonga. These devices are in all key establishments in the said areas. Tourists touring these areas ought not mind the cash as payment s smart and easy using their Visa branded cards. NBM has also placed POS devices in all key chain stores, some retail outlets, airlines (Air Malawi), golf clubs, hotels, lodges, PUMA Fuel Service Stations, restaurants, airport exit lounges, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, car rentals, and many more. These placements are geared to easing the pressure on cash handling by both service providers and card holders. NBM POS accept all types of cards (debit and credit) that carries a Visa brand. Where use of cash is still unavoidable, which ought not to be, the Moneycard Service is available. Moneycard Services avails cardholders to cash which ought just to be enough for the basics otherwise paying by card should be the norm. Paying for goods and services using cards on point of sale machines has been the norm in areas that have fully developed their tourism industry. Malawi tourism stands to benefit by adopting this form of paying for goods and services. Banks in the country must provide the means and NBM does provide. Telecommunication industry has to provide the communication means. Government has to consider issues of taxes on cards and point of sale devices. Service providers have to embrace the accepting e-payments. Together we will be responding to the key ingredient of the tourism industry payments.

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Ethiopian Airlines dreams big Skylinks:

SINGAyAZI KAMINJOLO Staff RepoRteR The continents flourishing aviation industry made another milestone in August when Ethiopian Airlines became the first carrier outside Japan to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art passenger jet. The coming of the 787 to African skies and Malawi in particular obviously could transform the nature of air travel across the continent. The new plane with its lightweight carbon-composite wings and fuselage, the 787 is 20 percent more fuel-efficient than the similar-sized Boeing 767, an existing industry workhorse, according to Boeing assistant chief pilot responsible for operations Captain Lance Lindsley who flew the plane on its maiden flight to Malawi. In a world where fuel typically accounts for around 30 percent of an airlines total costs, such efficiency is extremely attractive and will mean more profit for the carrier. With the purchase of 10 Boeing 787, Ethiopian can enjoy the significant cost advantages that accrue from being among the 787s first operators in the meantime. If Ethiopian Airlines elect to pass on its cost savings to customers, it will be good news given that airfares in Africa are the highest in the world per kilometers and stymie trade between countries that badly need growth. Ethiopian Airlines rivals, Kenya Airways and Nigerias Arik Air, have also ordered nine and seven of the 787s respectively. But theirs wont be delivered for years, as severe supply-chain delays mean Boeings backlog of the Dreamliner has reached an eye-watering 841 planes. Tourism minister Daniel Liwimbi summed it up all in five words: Ethiopian Airways has done Africa proud, said Liwimbi when the 787 was being introduced at The Kamuzi International Airport a fortnight ago. Ethiopian Airlines sales executive Godfrey Lungu plans are underway to operate from Blantyre for the convenience of Blantyre passengers in order to overcome problems between Blantyre and Lilongwe. According to captain Lindsley the 787 has a massive 14,200km range-roughly equivalent to a 20hour non-stop flight. Not only that, with its lightweight carbon-composite wings, and fuselage, the 787 is 20 per cent more fuel efficient than the similar size Boeing 767, explained Lindsley. Lindsley said another advantage of the Dreamliner is that it is environmental friendly because of its low carbon emissions. It is unusual among stateowned African airlines to be able to raise its own debt and finance its own expansion without government cash. Ethiopian is well managed, and has consistently exceeded the profit targets set out in its strategy plans, said Jafar Hamid Area Manger Malawi explaining the success of Ethiopian Airliner to The Nation. Its ten new 787s have been bought with a $1bn loan guarantee from Americas Export-Import Bank, and it is currently tendering for an additional 15 single-aisle jets to solidify its African presence. With this new fleet Ethiopian Airlines might just be the model that others follow. Too many African carriers are plagued by debt and managed with the sole aim of satisfying the short-term interests of their cash-hungry owners. Africas fragmented economy desperately needs airlines to facilitate trade, tourism and growth, as well as to provide employment and technical skills. With its ten modern 787s and its confident global ambitions, Ethiopian Airlines is just proving to be the solution. The acquiring of ten more crafts will mean the carrier will now have a fleet of 51 planes, the next Generation Fleet.

One stop shop for travel requirements

Skylinks Travel Bureau is Malawis best known and largest travel group. With vast experience in the travel industry and well established company consisting of the head office and three subsidiaries, we rightly stake our claim as the largest travel group in Malawi. Our barometer for success has always been the level of customer satisfaction we achieve, our goal is to provide the best services in Malawi and we aim to take care of all your needs essentially creating a one stop shop for any travel related requirements from flight, car hire and accommodation to road transfers, provision of visa information and travel insurance. At Skylinks, we are contactable anytime of the day and we ensure that all our clients are given a personal service. Some clients call our offices the social hub of the travel industry. But we know that in any industry, the bottom line is our competency as a travel team. In line with the record amount of awards from airlines over the years, we were recently awarded a Platinum Award for Best Sales and Service Excellency for 2011 from South African Airways and a Platinum Award for 2011 from Kenya Airways just to mention a few. Furthermore, we are the sole vendors of Emirates and Jet Airways. Not only do we provide airfares, through Skylinks Holidays a department within Skylinks Travel Bureau but also a comprehensive range of touring services, including Outbound and Inbound tailor made holidays (safaris, beach holiday, hiking tours, ecotours, honeymoon packages, etc.) for all budgets, hotel, car hire, air charters and cruise reservations. With Skylinks Holidays, we believe every part of your holiday should be easy and enjoyable. We appreciate that you may have individual requirements, so if there is a particular hotel, type of excursion or any other holiday related service that you would like to be included in your holiday package do not hesitate to contact us. Skylinks Travel Bureaus managing director Rita Savjani with the support of well trained and experienced staff

has been the wheels behind the success and over the years the group has witnessed unprecedented growth. With the aim of reaching out to our customers efficiently, the group now consists of: Skylinks Travel in Hannover House, Blantyre This is the hub of the travel group with 11 travel consultants. From the renowned Skylinks Travel to the innovative Skylinks Holidays you will never fall short of service. Skylinks Travel Centre, Unit House, Blantyre conveniently located in the hub of Blantyre city along Victoria Avenue, the Travel Centre is your pool for all your needs. Direct Ltd, Meridien Sky House, Blantyre- The trust that we have in airlines enables us to conduct business on their behalf through Sky Direct, used as Emirates and Jet Airways General Sales Agent. you will be able to get the best out of the leading airlines in the world locally. Skylinks Travel, ADL House, Lilongwe Right in the Capital we are located conveniently to serve you better. Skylinks Travels services are available 24 hours through our mobile hotlines and emergency numbers. We ensure that we can deal with your requests outside working hours. Whether you need to reconfirm your flights, there is always a consultant who you can call on anytime of day.

Steers and Debonairs: offering value for money

Situated at the heart of Blantyre City, Steers and Debonairs has for the past two and a half years offered a wide range of meals for their customers. As a family restaurant that they consider themselves to be, Steers and Debonairs offers anything from chicken and chips, burgers, a wide range of pizza, ice creams, tea and coffee among other things. Steers and D e b o n a i r s managing director, Thomas Nkosi says the food joint believes in offering customers value for they are a restaurant their money, and of choice for their acknowledges that customers. coming to eat here. We appreciate the patronage we have received and we thank God for what He has given us, he says. Nkosi adds that they believed in the success of this business in the country when they first decided to open Steers and Debonairs, and the business has really matured with time. Malawi is a virgin land, anything can work here. We believed in the success of the business in the country because we know that people like to go out and eat. We also thought we could add colour to the country by bringing in this franchise. We have matured with time, and our menu has been flexible to cater for the Malawi market. We are also sensitive to customer complaints, and we always try to meet their expectations, says the managing director. He goes on to say that plans are in the offing to grow the menu and keep the pace with those of South Africa. The idea, according to him, is to keep the business fresh. As a side thing, Nkosi says they also prepare local meals to cater for the local; things like Chambo, masamba otendera, beans and other foods unspiced.

Nkosi: We appreciate the patronage We have received massive response from our customers, despite the devaluation and competition people have still been

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Welcome to Chilembwe Lodge

The Mention of Chilembwe, to many brings back memories of the historical icon that set the ball rolling on the path of Malawian independence. It is therefore quite fitting and honorable to remember such a hero. With a dedicated team of professionals, Chilebwe lodge caters for every individual without compromising on quility. We offer excellent hotel accommodation and services, as well as restaurant services and bar. We ensure in providing much needed customer care and service worthy of the charges. The Lodge is located along Chilembwe road in Namiwawa and it is only three minute walk to Blantyre central business. welcome to Chilembwe lodge, Blantyre Malawi.

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Lions return to Majete

In August 2012, Majete Wildlife Reserve became the proud recipient of four lions from South Africa, completing the return of the Big Five to this iconic reserve situated in Malawis Lower Shire River Valley. The reintroduction of lions marked a significant milestone in the rehabilitation of the 70 000 hectare reserve. Historically, lions were common in the Lower Shire Valley, but by the early 1960s scouts in Majete were recording only one lion in every 100 patrol days. Over the years, poaching took its toll and there have been no reports of lions in the region since the 1980s. African Parks has been systematically resurrecting Majete since assuming management of the park in 2003. Over the past nine years, the park has been fenced, infrastructure developed and 2 554 animals from 13 different species have been reintroduced. The safety that the perimeter fence, the community and law enforcement programmes provide and the abundance of prey have now created an environment within which lions can once again thrive. In August 2012, two male and two female lions provided by the North West Parks and Tourism Board in South Africa were introduced to Majete. There were no adequate lion populations available in Malawi so they had to be sourced from South Africa. The intricate relocation process involved weeks of quarantine on both sides of the border and was a costly operation with holding facilities having to be erected and flights chartered to transport the predators to their new home. These costs were generously sponsored by Robin Pope Safaris, a concessionaire at Majete which owns and operates the luxury Mkulumadzi Lodge. The lions spent one month in a boma at Majete before being released into the concession area at the end of August. Two of the lions have satellite collars allowing them to be regularly monitored. Since their release the two males have been exploring together, while Shire the female spends time on her own hunting. The reintroduction of lions to the Majete system has not only restored the reserve to a naturally functioning ecosystem and rendered Majete a Big Five destination, but will also boost Malawis tourism industry. With the opening of the luxury Mkulumadzi Lodge last year and new renovations completed at Thawale Lodge a tented lodge operated by African Parks, Majetes future looks bright. For bookings for Thawale Lodge contact African Parks Majete Tel: 0999521741 Email: Thawale@africanparks.organd for photos and up to date information w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / MajeteWildlifeReserve For bookings for Mkulumadzi Lodge contact Robin Pope Safaris Tel: +265 (0)1 795 483 Fax: +265 (0)1 795 008 Email: info@ robinpopesafaris.net Website: www.robinpopesafaris.net

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Poaching, a major challenge in Liwonde National Park

EMMANUEL MUWAMBA Staff RepoRteR Liwonde National Park in Malawi is a place of extraordinary biodiversity and conservation potential. It offers an enormous variety of wildlife and is home to the largest remaining elephant population in the country. Other wildlife in the park includes large numbers of impala, reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog and sable. Kudu, impala, sable, yellow baboon, buffalo, Lichtensteins hartebeest, zebra, roan and eland can all be found in the park. A dense population of hippo can be found in the Shire River and enormous Nile crocodiles on the sandbanks. But massive encroachment and poaching, although termed relatively in the past years, has resurfaced. The animal population has been depleted and measures to replace the animals lost to these circumstances are bearing no fruits. Poaching for ivory has been a major problem in the park and has impacted negatively on the elephant and rhino population. Liwonde National Park Wildlife Sanctuary is not spared either. The sanctuary or fenced off protected area within Liwonde is where black rhinos have been introduced. The sanctuary was meant to protect certain mammal species from the poaching. Today, some animals in the area include Lichtensteins hartebeests, Cape buffaloes, Burchells zebras and roan antelopes. Information gathered by The Nation over poaching related activities at the park shows that over 100 animals were lost to poachers between March and July this year. The figure includes at least three elephants, a black rhino, 15 zebras, 15 sable and two hartebeests. All these are classified as endangered animals. In a report sourced by The Nation, 37 carcases were discovered after an operation following reports of gunshots in the sanctuary. Apart from the wire snares which are common in the sanctuary, we have seen that hunting with dogs and skinning of animals are also common. This shows that poaching started a long time ago and poachers are not afraid at all in as far as rhino sanctuary security is concerned, reads one of the reports submitted to the park by a team of experts from Liwonde Conservation Project. The report says 33 wire snares were collected while human spoors, dog spoors and three dogs were located. The wire snares were found almost everywhere and the way these wire snares are set clearly show that they are targeting rhinos because they are normally set in and around the browsing areas of rhinos. It has also been observed that these people are also targeting large mammals. That is looking at the size of the wire snares and the type of the animals that have been killed in the sanctuary, reads the report. Mike Labuschagne, Liwonde Conservation Project programme head who has also worked with the Department of Parks and Wildlife for 11 years, described the poaching situation in Liwonde as worrisome. He estimates that poaching in the park cost the nation at least K170 million in the past three months alone. I say at least because this is what we have detected. Rangers only find a small percentage of animal carcasses. The real loss then is likely to be in excess of K2 billion in the past three months alone, Liwondes status as a key fish spawning area and should this potential be lost, then again the cost would be simply inestimable, said Labuschagne. He attributed the poaching problems in Liwonde to staff discipline. Habitual drunkenness and corruption among staff members is simply the worse I have seen in my 36 years of work experience. I know of an incident where a senior officer made himself liable to stiff penalties from the law [for] suppressing a criminal case involving a corrupt member of staff. If criminals among the ranks of the civil service are protected by their superiors or, if their superiors share in there ill gotten gains, then we are facing a difficult challenge in saving Liwonde and its economic potential These protected areas are under such pressure largely because they are surrounded by a sea of people with high poverty levels who rely on the same wildlife resources in these protected areas (PAs) and Liwonde National Park is good example. Kumchedwa also denied the figures on the poached animals, saying they are on a higher side. As a matter of fact, our law enforcement team discovered remains of a poached rhino in July 2012 and this rhino is believed to have been killed in April 2012. But these figures will have to be verified, said Kumchedwa. He also acknowledged that the park is experiencing poaching in the breeding sanctuary. you might wish to know that the problem in the breeding sanctuary is compounded by the fact that the perimeter fence has suffered considerable vandalism by nearby communities. These vandals have gone out and cut the wire fence therein using the wires as snares for killing the wildlife at the same time rendering the fence ineffective in deterring poachers from entering the park, said Kumchedwa. Another problem has been maintenance, he said: It has not been possible to effectively maintain the two fences because of lack of maintenance materials. The materials have to be sourced from [South Africa]. With forex problems the country went through,

Liwonde National Park boasts large population of elephants

These vandals have gone out and cut the wire fence therein using the wires as snares for killing the wildlife at the same time rendering the fence ineffective in deterring poachers from entering the park,
especially if one factors in the loss of fish, reptiles and birds to the total loss. This type of loss really threatens the tourism potential of Liwonde, which is Malawis premier eco-tourism attraction. If Liwonde becomes denuded of game as has happened to a number of Malawis parks and wildlife reserves then the cost may be impossible to estimate. In addition, this level of poaching threatens for Malawi, he said. Deputy director responsible for education and extension services Brighton Kumchedwa acknowledged that poaching is a problem in the park. However, it may not be correct to say that there is massive poaching in Liwonde National Park. We indeed acknowledge that there is poaching in Liwonde National Park just like any other park.

it was extremely difficult to source the materials. Now that the forex problem is fading away, we are able to source the materials and the fences will be maintained shortly, he said. On reports of habitual drunkenness, absenteeism, laziness and corruption among staff members reportedly leading to non-patrol of the park, Kumchedwa said there are no records. If these things are happening, then Liwonde office is yet to give the head office a report. However, the head office will need to investigate these allegations. Should it be proven to be true, using the government machinery appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the perpetrators, stated Kumchedwa. He did not agree with the figures provided by Labuschagne saying much as it is a fact that any level of poaching is detrimental to economic growth, Liwonde National Park poaching is indeed translating into economic loss to Malawi. Kumchedwa said in the 2012/2013 budget, the department is procuring fencing material to rehabilitate both the sanctuary fence and the outer boundary fence, to ensure that poachers are denied access into the park, coupled with a much stronger law enforcement strategy. At the rate the poaching is going, tourism, an industry that has potential to grow and replace tobacco as a major forex earner might just be one of those wishes.

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Front view of Sunbird Mount Soche

Sunbird Mount Soche grabs four star status

BRENDA TWEA Staff RepoRteR One of Sunbird Tourism Limiteds hospitality joints, Sunbird Mount Soche was recently upgraded to a four star status following refurbishments that have been going on since 2008. The hotel can now hold its head high with beds that are truly of international four star status, magnificent flooring, nice showers and everything else. Not only that, the hotel has also improved in their quality of services and meals which are now receiving acclaim all over the country. The newly redone Gypsys Restaurant offers an extensive selection of inviting meals from buffet and braai during lunch and dinner. Piccassos Brasserie and Coffee Bar offers a selection of French relaxed upscale setting and on the other hand; Pablos Lounge Bar, a perfect compliment to Picassos, offers a wide selection of international drinks and cocktails in a relaxing yet sophisticated atmosphere. Group sales and marketing manager for the hotel chain, Daniel Tambala says they have seen an increased number of guests at the hotel following the upgrade and he believes that this is because the guests appreciate what a such they are exposed to other service providers in hospitality. We are in business because of our customers, and in response we took it upon ourselves

Our philosophy has always been to create a home for our guests, and we are flexible to create that home-like experience for them.
four star has to offer. He says for a long time, the hotels guests have demanded better products and services which necessitated the refurbishments. Our guests travel to different countries, as to please our guests and ensure that we provide a product that is upmarket. We finished the project last year. We were reassessed after the renovations and now with a new restaurant, new staircase, best quality

rooms and superior services we have been upgraded to four star from a three star, says Tambala, adding that to them, this means they need to continu serving their clients the way they have been doing. He attributes the achievement to the hotels staff, who he says did a very good job offering the best service. In a hotel, it doesnt matter how good your rooms or the food is, but the service of your staff. Our philosophy has always been to create a home for our guests, and we are flexible to create that home-like experience for them. They will get home

like food such as nkhwani otendela, nthumbwana, local chicken and other things while at our hotels. Out of all our guests, 80 percent are Malawians, so we do not want them losing touch with the delicacy they are used to. At the same time, we want the international visitors to have a taste of local dishes, he said. Tambala adds that despite the upgrade, they have maintained the old prices, giving people real value for money when they stay at Sunbird Mount Soche. He indicated that they are looking at extending the hotel in future, especially the sitting capacity in their conference rooms.

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INNOCENT HELEMA Staff RepoRteR As the world celebrates the World Tourism Day in Maspalomas Gran Canaria, Spain, let us critically look at our tourism. Let us look at what we have, our efforts to promote tourism, our failures to attract more tourists and what we can do to improve the status quo.

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Cashing in on tourism

Appreciating Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is one of the countrys beautiful lakes with bountiful marine life. The lake is the third largest in Africa and the eighth in the world. It is the second deepest lake in Africa at 700 metres which is approximately the length of seven football pitches stringed end-to-end. The lakes beauty, size and warmth are so enchanting that one would live to remember the experience along its beaches and resorts. It is due to this beauty that Dr. David Livingstone nickname it the Lake of Stars. If you swim in the waters of the lake, you can be assured of no extreme temperatures. The lakes waters have tropical temperatures of about 30 degrees Celsius which is just cool for swimming and water sporting The lake has about 1 000 different species of fish most of which are only endemic to it, talk of the famous chambo and its cousins. To crown it all, the lake is habitat to over 15 percent of global fresh water biodiversity. To protect fish and other aquatic life which once again is only endemic to the lake, one may wish to unplug in Lake Malawi National Park. The park is in the southern part of the lake where you can watch baboons and admire giant baobabs. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) designated Lake Malawi National Park in 1984 as a world heritage site.

The towering Mulanje Mountain

Culture is an important aspect of tourism

Our beautiful plateaus and game life

Apart from our stunning lake, Malawi has beautiful mountains and plateaus. We have Mulanje and Nyika

plateaus just to mention a few. Mulanje Mountain is one of the remarkable natural resources in Malawi. The mountain with Sapitwa peak towering over 3 000 metres above sea level is so beautiful and worthy the name an Island in the Sky. The mountain is not only a block of stone massif which rises suddenly from nowhere, but is also a forest reserve which is home to the endemic sweet-smelling Mulanje cedar. The beautiful rock is broken into deep gorges through which rivers with clean cool water gurgles down the mountain to the Ruo River. The mountain has well organised trails, camping sites and huts that hiking the mountain is never a big problems even to novice hikers. you may wish to know that the beautiful mountain is the highest in southern

central Africa and boasts of peaks such as Chambe, Lichenya and Matambale. Going up North, Nyika Plateau and its surrounding Nyika National Park may be one of your choices for a holiday or a tour. The national park is the largest and oldest in Malawi. The park is famed for game drives, horseback riding and night drives where tourists would see bright night eyes of hyenas and jackals. The park is also distinguished for stocking the highest concentration of leopards. In addition to game life, the park has also more than 200 plant species. If you go to the Central, Kasungu National Park can be one of your options. The national park is the second largest after Nyika. It has such wildlife as roan, impala and buffalo. After enjoying game watching, you may happily

enjoy your night at Lifupa Lodge which is within the park. Apart from national parks, Malawi has also a number of game reserves such as Vwaza, Mwabvi, Nkhotakota and Majete Game reserves where tourists can watch game and spend their nights.

Most of our tourists come from South Africa and Europe. Malawi attracts these in competition with other countries such as Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique. Tourists, therefore, have a wide choice of destinations. They can choose to fly to Kenya or Tanzania to dance some Masai dance, go to Maputo to enjoy some king prawns or go to Zanzibar and enjoy some ship cruising. Malawis economy heavily relies on agriculture both in terms of livelihood and export revenue. With our scenic beauty and rich culture, we should be able to create more employment and earn a living from tourism and its backward and forward linked sectors.

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resorts, we need to do a lot in technology and has resorts on its beautiful and warm beaches. The entertainment and the tourism industry organises annually the Lake of Stars festival which attracts tourists from within Malawi, Africa and beyond.

Promote culture to earn a living

Malawi is blessed with profound heritage in traditional dances such as gulewamkulu, tchopa, manganje and vimbuza just to mention a few. There is some cultural traditional dances promotion that takes place, but this does not mean we should stop there. Looking at our friends in Tanzania and Kenya, one discovers that we are far behind in the way we promote our culture. Our friends in Kenya and Tanzania are more organised than we are in as far as promotion of their cultures is concerned.

Invest, promote attract more

to

Looking at our hiccups, counting our losses

Visiting some of these places one is left with a terrible after taste. Service is an integral part of our tourism sector. It is unfortunate that some of our hotels, lodges and resorts provide poor service. It is important that the frontline staff do not only wear their uniforms, but also wear a beautiful smile. Our communication in terms of roads and information and communication technology (ICT) is also wanting.

Tourism does not end with our scenic beauty, our gorgeous lake and our rare game life. To attract more tourists we need to invest in tourism and promote it. This entails investing in infrastructures such as roads, airports and holiday resorts. It also means having better services in our hotels and holiday resorts with well equipped technology. There is of course a small international airport along the lake but we still need to do more than this. In addition to i n f r a s t r u c t u r e development and improvement of our services in our hotels and

My word
Lastly, I believe that with the investment and promotion of our tourism, we should be able to attract more tourists and earn more foreign exchange and provide livelihood for those that live along Lake Malawi, for instance, and prop up our curios and memorabilia. It will also go a long way in boosting our foreign exchange reserves and supporting our financial sector.

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Sun N Sand, a perfect holiday destination

Sun N sand is situated a alongside the shores of Lake Malawi. The resort is skillfully designed to suit all your holiday needs and offers a wide range of facilities and services, which include beautiful beaches and gardens. Sun N Sand also has self-catering chalets for large family and small families to suit their budgets. The Chalets are also equipped with barbecue facilities with full kitchen equipments, which is a perfect place for family get away. The hospitality establishment also offers 30 large comfortable ensuite studio rooms with 17 luxurious VIP cottage rooms; full Digital satellite Television (Dstv), air conditioned with complimentary coffee and tea in each room. 101 bungalows and rondavel rooms await you our guests, which are well situated along the poolside and arched around the resort. The joint also offers facilities to suit the customers business needs, with the business centre which offers a relaxed environment for a customer to transact their business. Not only that, the resort offers a wide range of conference rooms called Njobvu, Mvuu, Kampango, Mcheni and Nyasa. It also has a Nelson Mandela pavilion which can take up to 1 000 guests. All conference halls at Sun N Sand are air conditioned, with full computer facilities, internet for 24 hours and seven days a week, secretarial services, overhead and computer projectors, flip charts, tape recordings, audio and video equipments and meal catering. When there, well spacious parking space awaits holidaymakers. Sun N sand offers several bar services for your refreshments in our village beach bar, Ngona pool bar, Belle View bar. The resort has a

restaurant designed with a capacity 400 people, with great cuisine which offers delicious dinner menu, lunch buffet and continental breakfast. Entertainment The resort has both indoor and outdoor games and these include volleyball, pool for adults and kids, swimming pool table rooms, boat rides, camel riding paddle boats, canoes and lake kayaks. If a customer prefers the pool, he or she can take a dip in the newly-renovated Olympic-sized pool or lounge in the Jacuzzi. The resort also has a pool for kids. The resort has gift shops, massage centre and beautiful gardens. For kids, Sun N Sand offers kids with jumping castle, trampolines, swings, see-saw, slides and mini merry-go-round, all in the Fifis kids world. The resort also has a mini zoo with peacocks, ducks, guinea pigs, peahens, rabbits, turkey and antelopes.

Hippo View, an ideal holiday getaway

Hippo View Lodge a perfect family gets away holiday resort with secured parking lot. Mouth watering continental breakfast buffet with freshly squeezed fruit juices and a nice hot cup of tea or coffee. The lodge has four conference halls namely; Ndomondo which accommodates 150 guests, Usipa with a capacity of 25, Ntaja 30 guests and Kasupe with a capacity of 30. All these conference rooms have internet, flipchart boards, pin boards air conditioners and overhead computer projectors. The resort has deluxe, superiorandstandardrooms and all are air-conditioned, self-contained with phones and complimentary tea and coffee. All rooms are tastefully furnished with luxurious pieces to create a relaxing comfortable atmosphere. At Hippo, wake up to a breath of fresh air with beautiful birds signing. The Khonde restaurant can accommodate 300 guests and they can enjoy launch time of mouth watering delicious African buffet or a customer can choose anything they want from the menu. Customers also enjoy ice-cold refreshments, beverages or alcohol in Chinguni Bar In terms of entertainment, the customer can enjoy game safari boat tour to view live crocodile and live hippos, sports amenities and other indoor games such as pool and darts.

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WORLD TOURISM DAY MESSAGE

Taleb Rifai, UNWTO SecretaryGeneral

Hospitality that is Fit for Royalty

World class deluxe rooms with elegant dcor; warm and personalized customer service; mouthwatering cuisine; value for money, Mafumu has it all. Located in Area 3 along Likuni Road and off Barron Avenue in Malawis capital city Lilongwe, Mafumu offers something clearly different among its hospitality peers. Mafumu offers a completely unique experience from the other players in the industry. The quality of our rooms, our amenities, our cuisine and our customer service leaves the client wanting for more. We would therefore like to call upon our valued customers to come and enjoy the Mafumu experience for themselves, says Kingsley Jussa, Manager for Mafumu. Mafumu boasts 30 deluxe rooms, all with a king sized bed. Every room is en-suite, fully air conditioned with digital satellite television, a desktop computer with internet facilities, international direct dialing, safes, mini-bar and a mini kitchen. As for food, Mafumu has a broad menu that caters to every customers taste and preference. Customers can enjoy their meal in the restaurant, in their room, or outside in the plush gardens. Apart from international dishes, we also have a wide range of traditional foods. We are also flexible on the menu. Whatever dish a customer asks for, or however they want it done, we prepare. Our chefs are well trained to produce quality dishes, Jussa explains. And for the sports enthusiasts, Mafumu offers free access to golf and other indoor and outdoor games at the neighbouring Lilongwe Golf Club. The establishment can also ably host cocktail functions, as well as working meetings of up to 15 people. With all the above attributes, it is really no wonder that Mafumu is Fit for Royalty.

Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development

27th September, 2012

As part of UNWTOs ongoing efforts to forge tourisms contribution to sustainable development, World Tourism Day 2012 will be celebrated around the theme Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development. Tourism is leading the way in some of the worlds most innovative sustainable energy initiatives. Energy efficient upgrades to aircraft, the shift to renewable fuel for aviation and cruise liners, energy technology solutions in hotels, as well as countless other initiatives are placing tourism at the forefront of the clean energy transformation. These initiatives not only help to protect the environment, they also play a part in ending energy poverty, an ill being addressed by the 2012 United Nations International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, which aims to ensure universal energy access, significantly improve rates of energy efficiency and double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030. Sustainable energy initiatives in tourism are creating economic opportunities and jobs for millions, whether in tourism, energy or other sectors. As UNWTO findings show, the return on investment in sustainable energy can be enormous, enabling tourism businesses to grow and create jobs. At the same time, tourism infrastructure in developing countries is helping to bring modern energy services to some of the worlds most vulnerable communities. With international tourist arrivals reaching one billion in 2012, more must be done to guarantee a brighter energy future. Destinations and companies must accelerate their transition to low-emission technologies and embrace existing opportunities to leapfrog conventional options in favor of more sustainable energy solutions. As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2012, I urge all tourism stakeholders governments, businesses and tourists themselves to play their part in reaching the UN goal of achieving sustainable energy for all by 2030 and position tourism at the center of the clean energy economies of the future. Taleb Rifai Secretary-General World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

www.visitmalawi.mw

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) declared the day 27th September to be the World Tourism Day. The day is commemorated annually and under different themes. This year, Malawi joins the international community in commemorating the World Tourism Day, under the theme Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development. The theme offers to highlight the shared responsibility of the tourism and energy sectors to the wider sustainability of energy. Tourism, as one of the largest industry in the world and also in response to the international call, is at the forefront of many of the latest and most innovative sustainable energy initiatives. During the week this year, the Ministry lined up a number of awareness activities in order to raise the profile of the sector, highlighting sustainable energy initiatives being carried out by members of the tourism sector. The week was officially launched on 20th September, 2012 at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre whilst the main event, the commemoration of the World Tourism Day, taking place today, 27th September. In line with this years Theme, the Ministry joined hands with the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) and other stakeholders on a number of activities which included: 1. A panel discussion involving stakeholders. 2. The Malawi Cultural Festival. 3. And an exhibition of sustainable energy technologies at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC). 4. Malawi Tourism Fair from 27th to 29th September, 2012 at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds. As we commemorate the National Tourism Week and the World Tourism Day, I would like to appeal to the general public and all players in the tourism industry to be involved in various energy conservation practices. It is essential therefore, that we all join hands and play an active role in ensuring a sustainable and responsible tourism sector in the country through sustainable energy practices thereby attaining sustainable development. This will enable Malawi to continue living to its billing as the warm heart of Africa

HON. DANIEL LIWIMBI, M.P. MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE

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Gold Card Lodge wears a new face

As lodging units keep sprouting almost daily across Blantyre, one facility remains the all time premium spot in the commercial city Gold Card Executive Lodge (GCL). Glimmering majestically in the low density suburb of Namiwawa, some three kilometres out of the citys central business district; GCL radiates massive experience in the industry, offering executive standards spiced with legendary Malawian hospitality. As a facility, weve always set inimitable benchmarks in as far as blending exclusive hotel standards with truly Malawian hospitality is concerned, GCL managing director Linga Lemani says. It is in keeping with these benchmarks that the lodge has recently undergone a massive facelift both indoors and outdoors. Actually, somebody who came here sometime back may take time to recognise this place. For instance, the decor and amenities in our suites have been overhauled such that each suite has its own distinctive touch of idyllic ambience, Lemani reveals. The refurbishing exercise has left the lodges Mombo Restaurant wearing a completely new face; with grand floor tiles and air conditioning just as the two 20 and 40 seater conference rooms which also boast of better lighting, comfy seats and superb acoustics. Weve always exploited our unique and incredibly peaceful locale to assert our aptness as Blantyres most excellent venue for romantic outings as well as high class discussions, executive meetings and conferences, declares Lemani. Outdoors, GCL now boasts of a well stocked, breathtaking and electrifying bar by the poolside complete with a pool table and two darts boards. While complementing the grandiose and more laid back Time and Place Bar indoors, the pool side bar is designed to offer unlimited fun to families and friends in the lodges lush-green gardens. The idea was to accommodate that outdoor fun lover whilst not compromising on our renowned mouthwatering chicken snack, uninterrupted DSTV viewing and unique selection of music. Whats more? Guests could be in time for our elite weekend pool side events including Bikini parties in the summer, boasts Lemani. The GCL chief confidently asserts that GCLs proximity to Blantyres business hub assures guests easy access to offices, banks, super markets, commuter transport terminals, sports and recreation centres, monumental sites, and many other places of interest. Without doubt, Gold Card is a very ideal destination for business executives, academics, sports teams, vacationers and honeymooners among others. Our lodging facilities and Ala carte service are second to none and our staff compliment is well trained, honest, dedicated and friendly, he concludes. Make some time and visit Gold Card Executive Lodge to experience unequalled and exceptionally low rates for the most elegant, spotless and unforgettable hospitality in Blantyre.

Boosting tourism through gaming

Realizing the need to diversify the tourism base and recognizing the potential gaming had to make meaningful impact on the economy, Malawi government, passed the Gaming Act No. 26 in 1996. The Ministry of Tourism championed the passing of the Gaming Act, and the subsequent creation of the Malawi Gaming Board. The link between gaming and tourism is easy to pinpoint. The gaming industry provides leisure and entertainment activities to both local and international tourists. Most gaming venues offer sports bars where people, during their free time can watch matches and have drinks with friends. In addition to the sports bars, gaming floors offer a variety of games which include games such as slot machines, American roulette, blackjack and poker. The passing of the Gaming Act has helped and complimented private sector efforts to come up with additional entertainment in the country. Malawi Gaming Board was established with the aim of regulating gaming, controlling and licensing of gaming premises and imposition and collection of taxes on gaming, among other things. The boards Senior Inspector, Lawrence Chikoko says before issuing licenses, Malawi Gaming Board screens the gaming operators to ensure that they are credible people. He adds that there has been growth in the countrys gaming industry. Chikoko says legal gambling presents a number of benefits to government, some of which include provision of leisure and entertainment to both local and international tourists, employment creation, Foreign Direct Investments, and contribution to the national budget. The Malawi gaming industry links with other sectors of the economy that increase economic activities. Gaming establishments procure goods and services ranging from banking services, security, utilities, stationery and printing for their operations. Indigenous Malawians are also tapping management and technical skills in the industry. Over the ten years our gaming operations have been in existence, indigenous Malawians employed in the sector have gained considerable knowledge and experience about gaming and related technical and management skills. It will now be easier for these locals to invest in the sector and operate successfully, he says. The Board promotes responsible gaming and therefore strives to ensure that operators effectively track problem gamblers. Operators have a social responsibility to ensure that the welfare of their clients is paramount through the creation of platform for fair play. Players are also encouraged to gamble responsibly within their means. Those identified with gambling problems are banned by the board from taking part in any gambling activity.

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Grace Bandawe Conference Centre

for international hospitality standards
Situated along Chileka road in Blantyre, Grace Bandawe Conference Centre (GBCC), a medium sized hospitality institution set in the midst of very beautiful gardens, has a very quiet environment suitable for conferences. The biggest conference room for Grace Bandawe has a seating capacity of 250 people and two other conference rooms accommodate up to 30 delegates each. The hotel has two other boardrooms, each with capacity of up to 15 people. Grace Bandawe also has enough capacity to take 92 people at one particular time in accommodation, in their 42 twin bedded rooms plus four other executive rooms. This, coupled with the conference rooms available, Grace Bandawes hotel manager Sam Phiri boasts that they can handle even the biggest business that comes their way. He also says that all the rooms have just been refurbished to meet international standards, and have facilities such as DSTV.
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Shire Lodge:
Come and enjoy the beautiful view of the Shire River with a welcoming fresh brass of fresh air while you watch live hippo and crocodiles. The newly-constructed shire lodge has all the modern facilities to make your feel you are feel at home, opened three months ago and was opened to the public .Shire Lodge offers a comfortable environment with the spacious parking space for any size of the vehicle or load. The lodge has three big conference halls with modern facility and a capacity to accommodate 300 people. All the conference rooms are air conditioned, with a computer, full-time internet, secretarial services, overhead and computer projectors, flip charts, tape recordings, audio and video equipments for all types of presentations. The new restaurants cater for over 500 people and when it comes to dining and refreshments, Shire Lodge offers amazing variety of delicious meals.

A place to relax with family

Ideal for workshops, trainings and religious meeting: GBCC Apart from that, the rooms are all ensuite. This hospitality institution has two restaurants including Khonde Hall, serving Ala Carte and buffet meals, with capacity of 70 in each. The restaurants can handle large groups of people and individuals alike serving from one to four courses. Our services are of high quality compared to others in the industry, our meals are too. Our greatest pride is the unequalled high standard delivery of services to our customers. We always strive to maintain and aim at exceeding guests expectations. We owe it all to our staff who are well qualified. We also offer outside catering services, we can cater for up to 1 000 people, said Phiri. The hotel manager says their reason for existence is to give to give exclusive service to conference organisers and participants; accommodate travellers and provide food to those who like. Apart from that, the hotels accountant Friday Kumitengo adds that their flexibility is another thing that sets them apart from most players in the industry. Grace Bandawe is ideal for workshops, trainings, religious meetings, political meetings to mention a few.

The lodge also offers meal catering for all the three conferences. Every day, the lodges chefs prepare a stunning spread of traditional African dishes, spicy and tempting Indian cuisine and Chinese foods. Shire Lodge has 52 rooms all with full digital satellite television (Dstv), air conditioners and complementally tea and coffee. Come and enjoy game tours in our safari boats, indoor games like pool and darts, visit us and you will not regret.

Grace Bandawe Conference Centre

A hospitality centre with international standards
Set in the midst of beautiful gardens, Grace Bandawe has tranquil atmosphere for meetings, trainings/ workshops, press briefings, political meetings and conferences of any type. It boasts 46 well furnished rooms, conference facilities to cater up to 250 guests and restaurants serving sumptuos meals It also has DSTV and provides internet, laundry and secretarial services.

Contact us: Phone: 011 1 981 056 / 011 1 919 505 Mobile: 088 8 833 523 E-mail: gracebandawehotel@gmail.com samphiri99@yahoo.com Website: www.gracebandawehotel.com

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Tucked at Chileka-LunzuChirimba-Magalasi Roundabout, away from the bustle and rustle of Blantyre is the magnificent Mkango Lodge. The lodge, situated next to Kameza Petroda Service Station, has everything one would need: executive rooms, bars, swimming pools, casino, a gym, restaurant, conference rooms, a multi-purpose hall, you name it. The lodge, according to its manager Madalo Kayira, has self-contained executive as well as standard rooms complete with telephone extensions. The executive rooms have mini-refrigerators, DStv and are airconditioned while the standard rooms have DStv and standing fans. Resident customers are welcome to use the swimming pools and surf Internet from their rooms because we have wireless Internet facility. We provide these services free of charge, said Kayira. The lodge also has a conference facility for 50 delegates and a board room for 20 guests. We also have a multi-purpose hall for

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Mkango Lodge: Kings of hospitality

engagements, weddings and any other social gathering, she said. Those wishing to engage or hold their social gatherings by the pool side are welcome to do so at an attractive fee. The lodge has open bars for both resident customers and the public. The bars are open from 7am to midnight every day and a lot of people like them because they have good air circulation. People who wish a little privacy mainly use the executive bar, where they can also discuss serious subjects confortably, said Kayira, adding that the bars also serve braii. If you like playing on DBR machines you will find them here. We have an open casino. If you want to have sumptuous meals with family members and friends, you are welcome to Mkango Lodge. We have a restaurant open to both residents and the public, she said. If you want to flex your biceps and triceps, go to Mkango Lodge. The lodge has a gym with a professional trainer and assorted

Has all that you need: Mkango Lodge

equipment. What one has to do is pay a small fee to access the gym. We also offer morning and evening aerobic lessons to both residents and the public, said Kayira. Mkango is really the king of hospitality in the commercial city.

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SOUSTAIN CHIGALU Of recent, there has been growing interest in mineral exploration in Malawi. In the past, Malawi was deemed as a mineral poor country. As a result, the country paid more attention to agriculture, especially the growing of tobacco, which is our main cash crop and a major foreign exchange earner. But the growing anti-tobacco campaigns across the world has caused Malawi to look for alternative economic drivers and diversify its economy. Recently, Malawi Government has intensfied search for mineral resources in the country. Successful mineral exploration has come from Kayelekera for uranium mining, limestone for cement production at Njerenje, Mangochi. Some promising mineral exploration projects are niobium at Kanyika in Mzimba, rare earth deposits at Songwe in Phalombe and oil on Lake Malawi. The oil exploration and environmental impact assessment on the lake has and continue to attract a lot of attention both locally and internationally. As Malawi looks for economic diversification and accelerated national development, mineral exploration is relevant and worth support of both government and the public. The impact of income contribution from mineral resources cannot be underestimated as most developing economies rely on them. Mineral export income contributes 18 percent to South Africa economy, oil exports contribute to 98 percent to South Sudan economy and Brazil economy draws 10.2 percent from mineral resources income. In Malawi, mineral income contributes 10 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) as of end 2011. Therefore, the more minerals are explored and exploited in the country the better the

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Tourism, mineral exploration in Mw

peoples lives. Memories are still fresh of the recent disaster of nuclear reactors in Japan, oil spills from BP oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico and the unending conflict in the Niger Delta in Nigeria. Lessons have been learnt that negligence, greed and poor environmental protection from mineral and oil exploitation can bring bitter experiences than benefits acrued from such resources. There are some important questions we can ask ourselves regarding oil exploration on the lake. If Malawi was the last country with oil reserves, how would the country respond to the world pressure to exploit its oil resources? What if the rest of the world denied Malawi access to petroleum products, would the country dump all the vehicles and petroleum driven machinery and resort to use oxen as means of transport? Or, it would resort to oil exploration and continue with the modern transporation? Therefore, the final decision to explore and exploit natural mineral resources in Malawi rests with Malawians in response to the questions above. The responsibility is on policy makers, professionals, civil society organisations to sensitise people to the mineral worth of their country and what to do with it. Technologically, humankind has advanced to the extent by how much engineers and scientists convinced policy makers and users that their designs will not fail the people. The Author is Malawi Institution of Engineers chairperson for publicity and industry liaison committee

Tourists basking on the shores of the lake

economic outlook. The discovery of oil on the lake would not be so peculiar as discovery of a mineral resource is different from mining of such a resource. From a process point of view, mineral exploration, environmental impact assessment and feasibility studies do no harm, but assess the existence and potential of the mineral resource. It should be appreciated that the lakes biodiversisty is so rich in acquatic resource and tourism attraction and Malawians hold it so dear. But research and environmental impact assessment on the lake does not pose any threat to the existence or noexistence of the natural resources rather it offers a better understanding to the better usage or exploitation of the resource. For example, studies the by United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) offer a deeper understanding that there are over 800 unique fish species on the lake and the need to preserve the endangered

species, which resulted in the protection of Lake Malawi National Park. On the other hand, mineral exploration and cataloguing of the countrys mineral richness is important in assessing the potential value of the country. It is obvious some mineral resources may not be immediately available for exploitation due to economic, ecological and enviromental feasibility or cost benefit analysis. But future generations would have a better reference of the mineral rich of their country and start exploiting them based on the needs of their time. The discovery of bauxite on Mulanje Mountain, for example, did not result in immediate mining of the resource. Feasibility studies at the time showed that mining bauxite would not be feasible. This is why the bauxite is intact up to date. Triple Bottom Line accounting approach advocates for the balance between people, planet and profits in any economic activity an

organisation undertakes. The approach advocates for a win-win situation where communities have to be adequately compensated through job creation and other corporate social responsibility initiatives; shareholders have to make good returns on their investments; and governmnent, too, benefits through tax remittance. But this has to be done in environmentally sustainable way for the benefit of posterity. I urge the Malawi Government to emphasise the application of the approach to mineral resources exploitation to ensure that the three pivotal tenets are balanced and satisfied. Ironically, Malawi is so dependent on oil resources to drive its economy. Just a few months ago, our economy was brought to its knees because it could not access oil resources (petroleum) to drive its economic activities. Therefore, there is strong evidence that Malawi needs dependable oil resources. If Malawi discovered oil

on the lake or elsewhere, it would be a big blessing because the country heavily relies on imported petroleum products. If Malawi set up a refinery for its petroleum, the benefits would be many. Malawi would save on petroleum import and transportation costs, fertilisers would be made locally and become cheaper. Besides, fertilisers and bitumen for tarmac roads would be locally made. It, however, has to be pointed out that very few African countries have successful refineries due to low margins in the refining business, small local markets, high operating costs and poor yields. Following the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) insistence on market liberalisation in the early 1980s, many African refineries faced some significant challenges. Only South Africa, Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria run successful refineries on the continent. Mineral mining, oil rigging and mineral usage have posed some challenges to

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