The Chakwera administration is ramping up efforts to boost the tourism sector, aiming to enhance its productivity. Janet Banda, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit and Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, emphasized this commitment during the inauguration of a two-day pre-tourism lab meeting at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Banda underscored the significance of addressing barriers within the tourism sector, acknowledging challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and coordination issues among tourism stakeholders. She expressed optimism that the pre-lab meeting would pave the way for effective solutions to these obstacles.
Chancy Simwaka, Secretary for Tourism, echoed Banda’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the pre-lab in identifying and tackling the key bottlenecks hindering the sector’s growth. Simwaka outlined plans to enhance skills development in various areas of the tourism industry, including hotel management, food production, and tour guiding, to uphold high standards.
The pre-lab meeting follows the recent hosting of the Takulandirani Mw International Tourism Expo (MITE), which saw President Lazarus Chakwera in attendance, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting tourism on the international stage.
