Detailed information on visiting Malawi: Come to the Warm Heart of Africa

http://www.sdnp.org.mw/~caphill/tourism/tourismtour.htm


A test of the contents:
Ministry of Tourism, National Parks & Wildlife
Promotion and Development of Tourism
In order to fulfill the mandate of promoting and developing tourism in the country, the Department of Tourism, one of the two Departments within the Ministry of Tourism, Parks and Wildlife, is composed of three main sections namely the Planning, Marketing and Licensing & Standards sections based at the Ministry's headquarters in Lilongwe. The Department of Tourism also has regional offices in Blantyre and Mzuzu as well zonal offices in Mwanza, Mangochi, Mchinji and Karonga.

The Planning Section

Functions of this section include the formulation of short and long term policy objectives and establishing a framework of strategic initiatives through which the policy objectives may be attainable The section also undertakes overall product and development planning for the tourism sector nationally Functions also include the evaluation of all tourism related product development proposals from their economic, environmental and socio-cultural impacts perspective and authorising those that are compatible with national objectives

The section also is mandated to establish product development guidelines for potential developers and provide necessary support and guidance to investors in the tourism sector Inquiries on tourism investment opportunities can be made at tourism@malawi.net. The development of the tourism sector and the implementation of policy objectives is also monitored by this section

Another function involves the collection, collation and analysis of tourism statistics and other information required for policy formulation, product planning, marketing and monitoring the impact of the sector is carried out by the planning section. In addition, the section has the duty to develop and maintain a comprehensive tourism information system as well as provide regular statistical reports.

It is the function of the section to establish product development targets and assist other trade and investment promotion authorities to develop appropriate tourism investment promotional materials and briefs for presentation to potential investors All the planning and development process is done coordination with other relevant authorities, stakeholders who include the private sector, NGO's and the local community.

The Marketing Section

Marketing functions include devising and implementing marketing strategies for target markets The section is also engaged in the development and distribution of promotional materials for designated tourism markets. The main source markets for Malawi include United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa and Holland. For more information on tourists attractions and facilities for Malawi, please click here (www.visitmalawi.com) or contact us on the following address; tourism@malawi.net.

Other marketing functions include undertaking joint promotional initiatives with the private sector and airlines when necessary as well as undertake local, regional and international promotional activities, including attendance at selected trade fairs and workshops

The section also initiates and coordinates travel journalists and trade familiarisation visits and devising appropriate itineraries as well as initiate statistical and other research studies for marketing purposes and provide access to visitor information through the opening of tourist information kiosks in some parts of the country.

Licensing and Standards Section

The functions of this section include devising and administration of operating standards for all forms of tourism related activities/services and a classification /grading system for tourism accommodation under guidance of the Tourism and Hotels Board. The functions of this section are by law extended to all forms of tourist accommodation, restaurants, all tourism related facilities like scuba diving schools, ground handling agencies, incoming tour operators, car hire firms and other recreational facilities provided to tourists.

The standards section, in conjunction with the planning section is also responsible for maintaining a regular inventory of tourists related facilities and services for which it has licensing responsibility. All complaints within the tourism service by visitors, service providers, employers and employees are also investigated and dealt with by this section.