By Innocent Chamtulo
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Vera Kamtukule says proper investments and promotion of tourism sector activities has potential to spur Malawi’s economic status.
She said this in Mulanje on Saturday during this year’s Mount Mulanje Porter’s Race.
Kamtukule said the tourism industry is lacking some activities that can attract tourists in tourism centers, therefore, there must be other activities to attract more tourists in tourism sites.
“We should not wait for government to implement all the activities in tourism centres. Therefore, people should join hands in implementing tourism activities. For example, I have seen people bringing their small scale businesses here at Mulanje porter’s race which is a very brilliant idea, other people from various regions will be able to appreciate and learn how these things have been made and in turn empower surrounding communities,” she said.
Kamtukule added that she was happy to see what people have done at Mulanje porter’s race through their various activities prior to the event saying this has made the 2023 Porters Race to be different from previous ones.
One of the main sponsors of this year’s Porters race were Malawi Gaming Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) and the organisation’s Director, Rachel Mijiga said the 2023 Mulanje porters Race was a success since it attracted a lot of participants, sponsors and more people patronised the event.
“As you noticed this year’s theme, it mainly focused on promoting health environment for nature and humans. So as MAGLA, a body regulating gaming in the country we are encouraging people to take time and appreciate the beauty of nature,” she said.
During the Porters Race, the women category was won by 38 year old Teresa Master who covered 25 kilometers in 2 hours and 44 minutes while Evance Nyadzule came out top in the Male category after covering 25 kilometers in 2 hours and 9 minutes and both winners received K750,000 each.