STAKEHOLDERS URGED TO INCORPORATE ENVIRONMENT IN TOURISM SECTOR

By George Bulombola – Mana.

Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule has advised operators, investors and members of the public to incorporate environmental issues when celebrating the month of September which government dedicates as a national tourism month.

She was speaking Saturday when she presided over commemoration of World Tourism Day for the North in Mzuzu.

She said it was the responsibility for every Malawian to ensure sustainable preservation of the environment to avoid harsh environmental related disasters which has rocked the world.

“What is happening is that the environment is speaking saying if you don’t take care of me, I am going to give back,” Kamtukule said, adding that everyone would be destroyed one day if the environment was not taken care of.

She said it was incumbent upon each and every one to play a role in promoting environmental management.

The Minister reminded Malawians on the need to continue preserving their cultures at both individual and community levels to sustain their identities.

Chairperson of Mzuzu Tourism Association, Davis Mwale commended Ministry of Tourism for fostering and promoting good working relationship between the Ministry, private operators and investors in tourism industry.

He said the current approach to regulating players in the sector was friendly and does not scare investors as was the case in the past.

“Nowadays, investors in the industry can discuss issues with the ministry in an amicable manner thereby enhancing trust amongst all players in the sector,” Mwale pointed out.

He added that days are gone when operators and investors used to destroy the environment for construction of their structures.

“We now incorporate environmental conservation and preservation of natural resources in our businesses,” the Chairperson said.

Some of the activities during the day included a solidarity march from Karonga Ground to Springs Park in Mzuzu City for the main event and the participants were collecting waste for proper disposal on their way.

World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27 to foster awareness on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value and its contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s day was commemorated under the theme, ‘Tourism and Green Investments’.

Mana/gpb/tha