27 september 2017

Investing in tourism for sustainable development—P2 Malawi tourism and the burden of climate change—P27 Reflecting on World Tourism Day—28 2 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 special essay

Special Essay by CHRISTOPHER NHLANE, News Analyst

HOT INSTITUTIONS

The following are institutions and organisations that are raising the i o n at PHOTOGRAPH:n bar in sustainable Mulanje mountain has become a tourist attraction tourism: 1. beach Villa 2. Crossroads Investing in tourism for 3. Dorvic Hotel 4. Globe Internet 5. Grace Bandawe sustainable development 6. Hotel Masongola he United Nations General percent of the gross domestic hence the need for government A glimpse of the local tourism 7. Huccess Assembly (UNGA) recently product (GDP). In contrast and other stakeholders to swiftly Malawi may not have the best Tadopted 2017 as the though, a 2017 Travel and Tourism identify workable strategies that world-class tourism gems in the international year of sustainable Economic Impact report released can help in uplifting the status world, but still remains a force 8. Kasungu Inn tourism for development. by the World Travel and Tourism quo of this revolutionary tool in to reckon with as far as global This underscores the closest Council (WTTC) suggests that the country. endowment of luxurious tourism 9. Grand palace link existing between tourism, the industry’s direct contribution Apart from just improving attraction sites is concerned. For 10. Lilongwe through its three key dimensions towards the GDP in 2016 was at economic growth, especially instance, the country has a large of economic, social and K138 billion, representing 3.4 in countries where it is well- pack of wildlife and vegetation Worldlife Trust environmental sustainability and percent of the GDP. It is expected embraced, the UN further (flora and fauna), as well as the development of both global to rise by 4.9 percent in the next suggests that tourism has a direct other forms of leisure, including 11. Mafumu Lodge and national economies. decade, according to the report. bearing on all its 17 Sustainable adventure and cultural attraction According to the United Nations WTTC is the global authority Development Goals (SDGs) which which offer historic experiences 12. Woodlands World Tourism Organisation on the economic and social aim at improving the quality of to visitors who come to appreciate (UNWTO), which is one of contribution of travel and tourism. people’s lives, strengthening the nation’s beauty. 13. Ministry of the United Nations (UN) arms Therefore, the impact of environmental protection and Other key tourism spots in the Tourism responsible for the promotion tourism on Malawi’s development safeguarding cultural heritage in country include Nyika National of responsible, sustainable and can never be overemphasised, countries like Malawi. Park in Rumphi District which is 14. Riverside Hotel universally accessible tourism, the country’s biggest sanctuary tourism is currently one of the l Tourism began on July 5, 1841 when of wild plant and animal species, 15. sana Food Court fastest growing economic sectors Thomas Cook organised a trip from as well as home to the biggest in the world, and is also the third population of leopards and zebras, 16. simama Hotel largest global export industry after Market Harborough to Loughborough for among others. Lake Malawi, chemicals and fuels. a temperance meeting. Africa’s third and the world’s 17. Skyband In Malawi, the sector remains ninth biggest lake, is another the third largest foreign exchange l The word “tourist” has been in use darling for travellers who come 18. Sunbird earner after tobacco and tea. A from Africa and beyond. The fresh 2015 National Statistics Office since 1760 for individuals travelling for water lake meanders across the 19. Umodzi Park (NSO) report, for example, recreation. country’s three regions and home

indicates that that year alone, the c ts fa FAST to a variety of marine species such industry contributed over K220 l Tourism accounts for five percent of the as the popular and ever-delicious billion towards the country’s world’s economy. supplement economy which represents 7.2 page 3 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 3

special essay Toursim can benefit the country

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Chambo fish. In the Southern Region, there is Mulanje Mountain which offers a dose of relief to all holiday-makers who adore mountaineering adventures. But more significantly, the 17 million Malawians are the country’s own biggest tourism asset – always smiling, cheerful and welcoming. No wonder the country, fondly known as the Warm Heart of Africa is widely known for conveying friendliness even to strangers. The industry’s challenges and global trends Although government continues to take so

i o n at PHOTOGRAPH:n much delight in Malawi’s “thriving” tourism industry, the country continues to slide down on the list of countries dominating the global rankings for both tourism and poverty. A Travel and Tourism

Competitiveness Index i o n n at PHOTOGRAPH: (TTCI) report released Different types of animals are found in Nyika National Park recently by the World Economic Forum (WEF) commends Malawi for including the United States instance, government boost investment and Among others, Mutharika ranks Malawi on position 123 performing well in other of America.” has of late introduced a reduce costs on hotel fees. cited the introduction of the out of 136 world economies key points of reference According to the WEF number of incentives He said: “We want more Tourism Marketing Strategy that were measured for such as safety and security, Travel and Tourism aimed at boosting the hotels built in the county, which seeks to market competitiveness in 2016. international openness and Competitiveness Report sector’s growth and these hence this waiver to ensure Malawi locally, regionally This report also rates business environment. of 2017, Spain currently include a decision by the that investors, both local and internationally to Malawi disappointingly The country also scored leads the global tourism Malawi Revenue Authority and international, build increase direct tourism on some of the world’s remarkably well on price rankings followed by (MRA) to remove duty on standard hotels and lodges. investment to K50 billion key tourism benchmarks competitiveness compared France, Germany, United all building materials for We also believe that this annually. namely air transport to some Southern Africa Kingdom and United States all hotel, lodge and inn will prevent increases in Government recently infrastructure, health and Development Community of America, while South proprietors with a room hotel tariffs.” also established the hygiene and tourist service (Sadc) countries like Africa leads the sub-Saharan capacity of 50 and above In his State of the Wildlife Investigation Unit infrastructure. Botswana where tourism regional ranking and is on in order to improve the Nation Address (Sona) to help fight rising cases Over the years, Malawi rates are fairly higher. position 53 in the world. standard of infrastructure earlier this year ahead of of encroachments and has clearly failed to register However, economic in the industry. the National Assembly’s poaching besides restocking tangible improvements in experts largely attribute Incentives for the sector In a separate interview, passing of the 2017/18 some sanctuaries like the above targets and it Malawi’s continued Despite the challenges Minister of Finance, National Budget, President Nkhotakota Game Reserve does not come as a surprise. underdevelopment to the local tourism industry Economic Planning and Peter Mutharika expressed with about 260 elephants to According to the report, competitive rates which, faces, the Malawi Development Goodall his administration’s increase tourist patronage. last year, the Warm Heart they argue, negatively government continues in Gondwe disclosed that commitment to developing However, as ably of Africa earned over K260 affects tangible investments its quest to identify practical the motive behind MRA’s the tourism sector to suggested by UNGA, billion and hosted over 800 for boosting the sector. strategies that could decision to remove duty effectively contribute to Malawi will go on moving 000 international tourists Speaking to The Nation overturn the industry’s on selected hospitality the sustainable economic in circles and continue thereby creating over 200 in an earlier interview, misery for the better. For industry players was to growth of the country. realising insignificant 000 jobs in the proces. Chancellor College returns from the tourism As indicated by the WEF economics professor Ben sector unless it starts to report, Malawi, which was Kalua suggested that embrace tourism as an ranked farthest 126 out tourism rates should “We want more hotels built in the county, engine for sustainable of 141 global economies be revised to enable economic growth. One of measured in the previous government and other hence this waiver to ensure that investors, the ways to attain such a assessment edition of 2015, stakeholders facelift the goal is by investing more also scored a recurrent industry’s infrastructure. both local and international, build standard in the tourism industry to total aggregate of 2.9 out He said: “Tourism is facelift the structures such of seven points just like the not a small sector as often hotels and lodges. We also believe that this as roads and hotels for preceding score sheet two perceived in Malawi. This improved service provision years ago sector has helped a lot will prevent increases in hotel tariffs.” and to meet internationally Nevertheless, the report of economies [to grow] set benchmarks. n 4 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 5 6 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 7 8 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 9 10 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 11 12 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017

ADVERTORIAL Umodzi Park celebrates two years of hospitality success modzi Park, a now has the appropriate including international parliamentary and efficient and contemporary has become the premiere world-class five- facilities to host highly singing sensation Joss governmental meetings, convention facilities for destination for travellers Ustar hotel and successful events on a Stone, who performed at and Umodzi Park has dignitaries, business all over the world.” conferencing destination national and international the Magnificent Lilongwe been home to the Malawi executives and foreign Community located in the heart of scale.” Auditorium, Nigerian Investment Trade Forum guests visiting Malawi’s development and job Lilongwe, is celebrating Scores of people visited comedian Basket Mouth, since 2015, and hosted the capital city,” says Derick creation have also been two outstanding years the complex in 2016, and popular South African Africa Land Forces Summit Van der Nest “From its key focus areas for of achievement in the including 1,219 VIPs. band, Micasa. in 2017 five-star accommodation, the resort, with a core Malawian hospitality Some of the notable VIPs The BICC has also “Umodzi Park has restaurants and objective being to ensure industry. The resort who visited Umodzi Park become the official set a new benchmark entertainment facilities sustainable development has not only become include the president of venue for national for Malawi’s hospitality to premium conferencing is achieved within the local an international Zambia, Edgar Lungu, and international industry and has provided capabilities, Umodzi Park community – Umodzi Park entertainment and event Mozambican president currently hub since its official Filipe Nyusi, former employs 236 people opening in 2015, but Tanzanian president Jakaya from Lilongwe and various has also made a series of Kikwete, and President About Peermont other parts of the country, valuable contributions of World Bank, Makhtar and looks forward to Peermont owns or manages 13 casino and hotel properties in South Africa, to the development of Diop. increasing this number in Botswana and Malawi, including: the Malawian tourism The resort’s Bingu Wa coming years. In South Africa, Peermont owns and manages; Emperors Palace Hotel Casino industry and the local Mutharika International The resort has also Convention and Entertainment Resort, Johannesburg; Graceland Hotel Casino economy at large. Convention Centre (BICC) introduced educational and Country Club, Secunda; Frontier Inn & Casino, Bethlehem; Umfolozi Hotel “We’ve experienced boasts opulent conference programmes designed to Casino and Convention Resort, Empangeni; Rio Hotel Casino and Convention tremendous growth in venues and convention empower Malawian youth Resort, Klerksdorp; Khoroni Hotel Casino and Convention Resort, Thohoyandou; the past two years, and facilities which can with the skills they need Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino and Convention Resort in Mafikeng, Thaba Moshate the hotel has become one comfortably accommodate to pursue sustainable Hotel Casino and Convention Resort, Burgersfort. In Botswana, Peermont owns of the country’s main groups of various sizes and careers in the hospitality and manages The Grand Palm Hotel Casino and Convention Resort, the Gaborone attractions for business offers parking for up to industry. For instance, International Convention Centre and the Mondior Hotel in Gaborone; the and leisure travellers 2,500 cars. An impressive Umodzi Park offers a four Metcourt Hotel and Sedibeng Casino in Francistown. In Lilongwe, Malawi, Peermont alike,” says Derick Van 768 conferences were to six month internship also manages the Umodzi Park business precinct which includes the President der Nest “Thanks to the booked at Umodzi Park Walmont Hotel, the Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) resort’s world-class venues in 2016 alone, with and the Presidential Villas. supplement and facilities, Lilongwe other large-scale events page 17 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 13 14 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 15 16 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017

ADVERTORIAL Know Hotel Masongola

otel Masongola is Enjoy every meal in the Malawi’s most historic historic atmosphere of our Hhotel. It was built in 1886 restaurant. The restaurant as the official residence of the is the same room that the British consul A.J Hawes. It governors of Nyasaland dined. was later occupied by the first Alternatively, you can take your Governor of Nyasaland, Sir meals in the serene garden with Harry Johnson between 1891 bird sounds under mibawa and 1901. After 1901, it was used trees overlooking the glorious as temporary accommodation gardens with a superb view of for senior colonial officers Zomba Mountain. prior to provision of permanent The restaurant offers a range housing. It opened its doors of local and international to other government officers dishes. Local dish on and the general public when Wednesdays and Fridays. additional rooms were added in Equally, we accommodate 1949. It then began to be known corporate functions, family as the Government Hostel. and other social gatherings. After Independence in Functions can be held in our 1964 the Government Hostel conference rooms or in outdoor provided accommodation to pavilions. members of Parliament when Parliament was in session. This Conferencing at hotel continued until Parliament masongola moved from Zomba to Lilongwe Hotel Masongola is the first in 1994. call in Zomba for conferencing. During the government’s el M a s o n go l o f H ot esy c o u rt PHOTOGRAPH: All our conference rooms are privatisation programme, Front View of Hotel Masongola air conditioned and are fully Government Hostel was serviced with all necessary acquired in 2001 by a consortium historic buildings. serviced flats. All are self- There is a courtesy entrance to facilities, equipment and of four Malawians and it was A Slave Caravan contained double rooms with the gardens for the use of Hotel services. renamed Hotel Masongola. The Zomba has a rich political satellite television. In addition, Masongola guests. Meals can Depending on size of the name Masongola was given by history having been the all rooms have international be served in rooms or in rooms’ meeting, you can choose to use the local people when it was administrative capital of direct telephone and internet own lounges facing the scenic our three different conference built in 1886. The word means the British Protectorate of facilities. gardens with views of Zomba halls which can accommodate “the points”, referring to the Nyasaland. It was chosen as a The sunny garden rooms Plateau. 120 delegates or one large hexagonal towers with window convenient place to monitor overlook the main lawn and the outdoor pavilion which can slits at either end of the main and eradicate the slave trade historic botanic gardens first Cuisine (Local and accommodate up to 300 structure. which was rampant in those laid out by Sir Harry Johnson international dishes) delegates or our Board room The hotel has 50 rooms and days. In addition, the site had and later by Alexander Whyte. “The luxury of taste” for small meetings. n two serviced flats. The lounge is temperate climate as well as the original “drawing room” and other physical attraction. is located near the restaurant FACTS ABOUT HOTEL MASONGOLA and a bar which is open to both Zomba Mountain Plateau residents and non-residents. The hotel is located in Zomba l Malawi’s most historic slave trade in Zomba Hotel Masongola is a highly within the Shire Highlands of sort after conference centre the Southern Region of Malawi. hotel and meetings were held providing air conditioned Zomba is 69 Kilometres (KM) at Hotel Masongola conferencing halls and rooms. from Blantyre, the commercial l It was built in 1886 All conference rooms are capital of Malawi to the South l It was declared by supported with necessary West and it is 122 Km to l The building was the conferencing facilities and Mangochi on the shores of Lake government as a equipment. Malawi to the north. official residence of Meals are served in the historic Zomba City lies at the foot of national monument restaurant or in the serene the Zomba Mountain Plateau the first governor of gardens under the mibawa which is 2 085 metres above Nyasaland, Sir Harry l Surrounded by friendly trees surrounded with sounds sea level. of birds and offering a superb The town was the colonial Johnson monkeys view of Zomba Mountain. capital of Nyasaland for over The hotel is located along 70 years until 1964. As a l The late Dr kamuzu l Natural heritage Livingstone Road opposite result, Zomba boasts of many the Old Parliament buildings. impressive European style Banda’s first office as l Mountainous, quiet, Its location is ideal for people buildings. The architecture is president of Malawi was from all walks of life, whether of British, Dutch and German serene gardens international, corporate or traditions. at Hotel Masongola public. From the hotel, tourists l 3 conference halls, Sir can easily visit many places of Accommodation l It was built by the Harry bar and a historic interest within Zomba town “Comfort and staying in or neighbouring districts like style” founder of Zomba-John restaurant Mulanje mountain, Liwonde Hotel Masongola is the Buchanan National Park, Lake Malawi largest hotel in Zomba offering l It has 50 National Park, Lake Chilwa affordable comfort. The hotel l It was built to abolish Wetlands and Blantyre City boasts of 51 rooms and two accommodation rooms Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 17

ADVERTORIAL Peermont Group: A place of excellence PAGE 12 positive impact on local der Nest “Industry players tourism. Along with are seeing the need to up programme in partnership introducing much-needed their game to take Malawi with the Malawi Institute conferencing facilities to greater heights in terms of Tourism, providing able to accommodate of its tourism offer.” MIT students with the international and regional Looking to the future, opportunity to gain conferences in world-class Derick says that Umodzi practical hospitality style, the launch of a five- Park plans to maintain and experience at its five- star hotel has challenged build its reputation for star President Walmont Malawi’s current industry, excellent service delivery Hotel and at the world- shedding light on areas in all areas of business, and class BICC. Since for potential improvement keeping its brand promise its launch in 2015, 75 within the hospitality of five-star luxury and students have benefited industry. world-class experiences. from participating in “Since its official “Umodzi Park will the comprehensive opening, there has been also continue to explore internship programme, increased attention on the opportunities for new with 10 interns offered level of service delivery, business to extend its employment at the resort. structural development and loyal base of clientele. As In addition, the the need for improvement always, we endeavour to establishment of Umodzi in Malawi’s hospitality engage with travellers, Park has made a significant industry,” says Derick Van stakeholders and the local community to continue meeting and exceeding the Since its official opening, there needs of all our guests,” has been increased attention on the says Derick Van der Nest. n level of service delivery, structural For more information on development and the need for the Peermont Group and all its exciting offerings, visit improvement in Malawi’s hospitality www.peermont.com. Connect with Peermont on Facebook or industry follow @peermont. 18 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 19 20 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017

FEATURES ERIC MTEMANG’OMBE News Analyst Sustainable development: he United Nations World Tourism TOrganisation (UNWTO) has stated that tourism is key to sustainable Key to tourism survival—UN environmental conservation 2017 International year of long-term survival of the “Tourism has considerations have a directly and tangibly – on and protection. It made the Tourism for Sustainable tourism sector depends on multifaceted impacts on significant bearing on natural assets. It is a sector statement in a discussion Development. In the its capacity to conserve the the natural environment, sustainable tourism which gains immeasurably paper released ahead of the paper, UNWTO says the natural environment. just as environmental development in the short from the world’s natural and long-term. As a sector resources, its diverse which depends so much on ecosystems and its rich the natural environment, biodiversity. Ultimately, tourism has a special a quality environment responsibility towards the is the natural capital of planet, with an impetus to tourism destinations, with harness this dependency the income from tourism as a means of promoting providing the financial conservation,” reads part of return from investment the paper. in that capital,” the paper UNWTO says natural reads. environment is an The body called on all invaluable resource to the member States to implement tourism sector due to the policies that incorporate interdependence that exists careful environmental between tourism and the protection with creative natural environment. opportunities to promote “The relationship the sustainable use and between tourism and management of ecosystems the natural environment while supporting is complex. On the one the environment’s hand, tourism depends – conservation. n Tourism Department target the youth BERNARD MHONE Mana

Tourism Department in Northern Region has pledged to train the youth on how they can sustain the country’s tourism attraction centres. Speaking in an interview, Northern Region tourism officer Michael Chigaga said youths are critical to the

growth of the industry. ma n a PHOTOGRAPH: He said the youth can Chigaga: Youth neither contribute nor are critical sustain the sector without adquate knowledge on from copying foreign how it operates. cultures. “We have to train our He said the tendency youths on how they can could dilute the Malawian sustain tourism attraction culture. centres because the The Tourism products that we have Department in the are the same. If we have region will be conducting five game reserves and one awareness meetings on the well known mountain in importance of tourism in Mulanje, they will remain the country’s development the same. There is need to and economy. train the youths on how The meetings will be to sustain these tourism conducted in Mzuzu, products,” said Chigaga. Nkhata Bay and Rumphi, He advised that as districts that are regarded hosts, Malawians need as the tourism hubs in the to be patriotic and desist region. n Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 21 ma n a PHOTOGRAPH: 22 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 23

FEATURES Tourism: The economy booster PAGE 24 also lost out on the jobs that could have been created by revamping the tourism sector to attract more tourists in the country. Tourism’s potential as a tool for inclusive growth should be of special interest to Malawi. For a country with over 80 percent of the people living on less than a dollar a day, promoting inclusive growth should be a top priority. As recently as a month ago, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was on record stating that the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and corresponding government policies have failed to promote inclusive growth throughout its implementation period. Perhaps time is ripe for Malawi to start exploring alternatives to complement the country and its development partners’ noble cause for promoting inclusive growth. There is strong need to approach this period of self- examination with a critical mind and sobriety and re- examine tourism’s potential in improving the lives of the 14 million plus people living way below the poverty line. Tourism presents an ideal opportunity Tourists are able to have fun in a conducive environment for Malawi because it can bring development even to those In a country where the living in remote areas. majority of the population Tourism offers significant has only a high-school opportunities as a tool for level education, creating development, given the sector’s local businesses will go a substantial size, contribution long way in uplifting the to international trade, rapid living standards of those growth and linkages to other living on the fringes of our sectors through tourism value society. With the number chain. Opportunities also of international tourists set abound given the prospects it to increase from 1.2 billion offers for women and youth; in 2016 to 1.8 billion in its relative importance for 2030, the time is ripe to developing States, rural areas start thinking of ways to and indigenous communities. harness the potential of our While UNWTO concedes that natural heritage sites and tourism cannot be automatically capitalise on the growth of assumed to alleviate poverty, our underutilised tourism it has to be noted that it is sector in uplifting the lives well-placed to contribute to of the marginalised in our poverty reduction given the beautiful nation. low skills requirements for It is time to start living up to our status as the Warm i o n n at PHOTOGRAPH: entry-level positions and the Tourists travel to distant places for recreation prospects it offers for small- Heart of Africa. n scale entrepreneurs to pursue new activities or formalise existing micro ventures. The Tourism’s potential as a tool for inclusive growth should be of sheer scale of the complex tourism value chain presents significant opportunities for special interest to Malawi. For a country with over 80 percent of generating backward and forward linkages which can the people living on less than a dollar a day, promoting inclusive engage local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises growth should be a top priority (MSMEs). 24 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 25

FEATURES

ERIC MTEMANG’OMBE News Analyst

ourism has long been publicised as a viable Tenterprise in promoting economic growth and development on a global scale. As such, 2017, as International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is a defining moment for making tourism a catalyst for positive change. It has been earmarked as the year of soul-searching and contemplation as the rest of world aspires to enhance tourism as a strategic driver of economic change. The tourism sector’s appeal lies in its inherent capacity to contribute to all three dimensions of sustainable development—economic, social and environment as well as each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) sees a lot of potential in the tourism sector for spearheading growth as well as improving the quality of people’s lives. According to UNWTO, tourism offers significant opportunities as a tool for development, given the sector’s substantial size, contribution to international i o n at PHOTOGRAPH:n trade, rapid growth and Tourism brings the much needed forex connection to other sectors through the tourism value chain. Opportunities also abound given the prospects it offers for women and youth; its relative importance for Tourism: A tool for developing States, rural areas and indigenous communities. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests a very strong correlation between growth in the tourism sector inclusive economic growth and sustainable economic growth. The intricate nexus third largest export category. long-term sustainable growth. tourism receipts earned by seems to be lagging behind. between tourism and economic Tourism is a leading export Tourism’s contribution to the destinations worldwide have It is ironic that a country that growth should not dissuade us sector in many developing global economy has grown by surged from $ 2 billion in presents itself to the world from appreciating the potential States and least developed one percentage point from six 1950 to $104 billion in 1980, as the Warm Heart of Africa financial contributions that countries (LDCs). In fact, to seven percent between 2016 $495 billion in 2000, and $ 1 cannot keep up in a hospitality tourism can make to our tourism was a key sector in 45 and 2017. International tourist 220 billion in 2016. Overall, based industry. While the rest ‘ailing’ national economy. of the surveyed LDCs. arrivals have increased from 25 tourism has grown faster than of the world was celebrating a Whether economic growth The figures make for a very million globally in 1950 to 278 world trade for the past five 3.3 percent increase in global is tourism led or not, we impressive reading, but what million in 1980, 674 million years. tourism arrivals, Malawi’s cannot ignore the immense is more encouraging is that the in 2000 and 1 235 million in While tourism is growing figures actually declined to contribution that tourism tourism sector is in a state of 2016. Likewise, international on a global scale, Malawi -1.7 percent. The number of makes to the global economy. overnight international guests According to statistics went down from 819 000 in released by UNWTO, 2015 to 805 000 in 2016. tourism contributed over While the rest of the world is making While the rest of the world $7.170 trillion through is making money out of its direct, indirect and induced natural heritage, Malawi is contributions. International money out of its natural heritage, losing billions of kwacha tourism generated $ 1.5 due to her failure to attract trillion in exports in 2015, tourists. The finances are just equivalent to 7 percent of all Malawi is losing billions of kwacha due a fraction of what the country global exports in goods and has missed out on. We have services and 30 percent of to her failure to attract tourists supplement exports in services alone – page 23 making tourism the world’s 26 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017

FEATUREs i o n n at PHOTOGRAPH: Climate change affects tourism development Effects of climate change in tourism PAGE 27 one of the fastest booming economic sectors, the industry namely Machinga, Phalombe is also accelerating effects and Zomba districts which of climate change through contribute to fluctuating emission of greenhouse gases rainfall patterns and mainly due to transportation subsequent changes in lake and hotel accommodation levels. activities. Perhaps one of Apart from changing the the other contributory level and quality of water factors, particularly on (through contamination) accommodation, could be the as well as damaging the ongoing persistent blackouts vegetation all of which form which possibly render part of the key resources for hospitality players with no our tourism industry, climate other option apart from using change impacts reduce the fuels and gas to run their number of international energy-requiring activities. tourists once they hear stories The United Nations about natural calamities like World Tourism Organisation floods devastating the country. (UNWTO) defines sustainable Again, Malawi has witnessed tourism as taking full account a series of droughts resulting of the sector’s current and in changes in rainfall patterns future economic, social and which is also connected environmental impacts and to human activities such addressing the needs of as wanton destruction of visitors, the industry, the vegetation in the country. environment and the host An example is the plunder communities. of resources at the Viphya Clearly, this evidently shows Plantation. i o n at PHOTOGRAPH:n that it is high time Malawi Such droughts lead to Crops destroyed by floods and other countries in the the drying up of beautiful Southern Africa Development vegetation (flora) and small, such effects of climate strides. This is contrary to sustainable tourism as a tool Community (Sadc) region potentially drive wild animals change impact negatively on the this year’s International for development. incorporated sustainable away from tourist destinations. country’s sustainable socio- World Tourism Day theme As highlighted previously, tourism in their planning of Although they may sound economic and environmental which focuses on embracing much as tourism has become national policies. n Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017 27

FEATUREs

CHRISTOPHER NHLANE News Analyst

alawi’s economy depends much on Malawi tourism and the Magriculture. For decades, the country remains one of the few sub-Saharan Africa countries boasting all kinds of luxurious wild and managed tourist gems burden of climate change which contribute towards the country’s socio-economic development. In his State of the Nation Address (Sona) ahead of the passing of the K1.3 trillion national budget by Parliament, President Peter Mutharika highlighted agriculture, irrigation and climate change on top of the rankings in the priority allocation of the resources within the development budget, followed by educational activities, health programmes, the energy sector, transport and communication infrastructural activities and, lastly, tourism, in that order. A recent document titled The Economic Valuation of Sustainable Natural Resource Use in Malawi shows that the country loses over $190 million (about K136 billion) annually due to unsustainable use of its natural resources. This is probably why chief director of environment and Effects of climate change in tourism climate change management in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Yanila Ntupanyama, recently disclosed that Malawi’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change calls for urgent need to invest in adaptation and mitigation to enhance community resilience.

However, we cannot talk i o n at PHOTOGRAPH:n about growth of our nation in Climate has effects on wildlife several dimensions without touching on climate change that have befallen the industry manner. become a highly climate- flooding that characterise which continues to reveal its due to global changes in According to Unep, all sensitive economic sector some flood-prone areas of the ugly face on Malawi’s various weather patterns as well as countries, including Malawi, which cannot be overlooked country such as Karonga and key economic sectors like impacts of tourism on climate must identify strategies for and overemphasised if Malawi Chikwawa districts. tourism, besides agriculture. itself because the world, being mitigating greenhouse gas is to achieve this year’s World Lake Chirwa, once touted as Although it appears as a global village, Malawi’s emissions from the tourism Tourism Day theme on using Malawi’s second biggest lake a least important priority tourism sector is not immune sector’s activities like transport sustainable tourism as a tool which dries up occasionally, within those priority areas, to the various effects of climate and accommodation, adapting for development. is another living testimony of the tourism sector is among change. The United Nations the sector’s businesses and Evidence still shows how cyclic changes in annual modern transformative sectors Environmental Programme destinations to changing that Malawi is among the rainfall patterns have adversely both globally and locally. (Unep) underscores the need climate conditions as well as developing countries which impacted this nation. This Said Ntupanyama: for the tourism sector across using modern technologies continue to bear the brunt drying up has potential to “Currently, shortage of the world to rapidly respond to improve energy efficiency. of climate change impacts, keep away holiday-makers, water in our cities cannot to climate change if it is This only demonstrates how including high temperatures especially those who prefer be overemphasised and it to develop in a sustainable much modern tourism has and regular instances of water-based tourist activities is against this background such as sailing, skiing or that the Malawi government angling. progressively supports According to scientists, all development programmes Evidence still shows that Malawi is among this is as a result of accelerated whose aim is to enhance the environmental degradation by resilience of communities the developing countries which continue to communities living along against the impact of climate the lake’s catchment areas change.” supplement As a nation, we ought to bear the brunt of climate change impacts reflect on the vulnerabilities page 26 28 Special pullout the NATION 27, september 2017

FEATURES Reflecting on World Tourism Day *TAMANDA KALEKE he concern as to whether the world understands Tthe definition of sustainable development is no longer an issue, but what underlies some of its key pillars: social, economic and environmental. Simply put, the underlying principle in sustainable development is justice for current and future generations. Thus, for one to sustain the environment for tomorrow they have to put it to good use today. This calls for the importance of sustainable use of natural resources of which tourism immensely benefits from. Tourism according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is the 3rd largest export industry in the world after chemicals and fuels. This is also evident in the 1.2 billion people that crossed borders in 2016 alone creating 1.2 billion opportunities, and it is envisaged that by 2030 the number of travellers will rise to 1.8 billion. We can, therefore, safely assume Sustainable development is key to tourism growth that if we do not take affirmative action today, Tourism Day 2017 is being 2020 target. This is and tourism will impact the commemorated under the will be associated with world negatively come 2030. theme- Sustainable Tourism: a fairly equal number of Nevertheless, these statistics a Tool for Development, opportunities. Whether bring hope, prosperity and calling on tourists to respect these opportunities will be understanding to many lives nature, culture and their seized requires a different and livelihoods across the hosts as they travel. This analysis, but today, we take world. highlights a global shift in time to rethink the impact It is easy to think that recent times from mass of these opportunities because we may not be tourism to sustainable whether positive or around by 2030, then issues tourism where key is not negative. All travellers and of sustainability are out economic benefit alone indeed the general public of question. Guess what? rather one encompassing are being called upon Our children will suffer the environmental benefits as to join the key tourism consequences of a disturbed well. Imagine 1.8 billion stakeholders (public and ecosystem from which people acting responsibly! private) who have so socioeconomic growth will What a great paradigm shift far laid foundations to no longer remain in the this would be. further develop sustainable picture. Coming back home, tourism in Malawi. Based on this tenet, the sustainability in tourism is It is time to promote United Nations declared demystified as a significant indigenous knowledge 2017 as the International number of industry players in all available forms,

Year of Sustainable Tourism and local communities now i o n at PHOTOGRAPH:n in addition to scientific for Development. This understand its importance Lake Malawi provides fresh water knowledge to conserve the declaration, supported by the due to the various faces of Zomba Plateau ecosystem universal 2030 Agenda for climate change befalling the It is on this note that Zomba thereby powering all highlight the importance of and indeed all other . Sustainable Development world. But one can argue Malawi will commemorate forms of livelihoods, has its responsible harvesting, and As we commemorate and the Sustainable that the issue of satisfying this important day at the foot catchment area threatened; this includes all resource this day, let us be the Development Goals (SDGs), the needs of current of Zomba Plateau which like others include: the depleted types whether natural or change we want to see for aims to support collectively, generation surpasses that most natural resource bases trout and indigenous trees, man-made. a healthy and economically a change in policies, business of future generations due is under threat as it may flowers and fruits. As much It is important to sound Malawi! n practices and consumer to poverty and selfishness no longer offer ecosystem as other quarters may again highlight further that behaviour towards a more among a myriad of factors. support services to lives argue that a better part with tourist numbers *Tamanda Kaleke is sustainable tourism sector That is up for discussion and livelihoods around it... of the forest in Zomba going beyond 840 000 in sustainable development thereby contributing and the answer basically talk of the Mulunguzi Dam Plateau is man-made and 2016, Malawi is moving specialist and senior tourism towards the SDGs. depends from which angle for instance, that supplies therefore being put to its fast towards its one officer in the Ministry of It is in this vein that World you view the debate from. fresh water to the city of rightful use, we have to million tourist mark— a Industry, Trade and Tourism.