By Innocent Manda
Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism Simon Itaye has described the K88.8 billion (US$52.8 million) Mariot Ryalls Hotel project as a strategic investment capable of accelerating economic growth, tourism development and employment creation.
Itaye made the remarks on Thursday after touring the hotel construction site at Lilongwe Golf Club, where he appreciated progress on the development being undertaken by Blantyre Hotels plc on 3.271 hectares of land.
Speaking after inspecting the facility, the minister said the project demonstrates growing investor confidence in Malawi’s economy and highlights the private sector’s commitment towards supporting government’s industrialisation, tourism and trade development agenda.
“The Mariot Ryalls Hotel project is a major investment that will create jobs, generate revenue and enhance Malawi’s attractiveness as a tourism and investment destination. Government is pleased with the progress being made,” said Itaye.
The minister said government remains committed to supporting strategic investments across various sectors, emphasising that authorities stand ready to provide any necessary assistance required to facilitate successful project completion and operations.
“As government, our doors remain open. We will continue working with investors to address challenges and create an enabling environment that promotes investment, job creation and sustainable economic growth,” said the minister.Itaye commended Blantyre Hotels plc, One NICCO, and other partners for expanding the hospitality portfolio in Malawi saying the development aligns with government’s objective of encouraging private sector participation in national development and economic transformation initiatives.
Once completed, the four-star hotel will feature 180 rooms, about 3 conferencing facilities capable of accommodating up to 350 delegates and a health and fitness complex incorporating modern spa and gym amenities.
Chief Executive Officer of Eris Properties MW, the construction management company, Washington Chimuzu, said the investment will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities while stimulating growth among local businesses supplying goods and services to the facility.
“This project represents a significant contribution to Malawi’s economy. Beyond hospitality services, it will create opportunities for suppliers, entrepreneurs and workers while strengthening the country’s position within the regional tourism market,” Chimuzu said.
He further said construction works have reached approximately 90 percent completion, expressing confidence that the hotel will officially open its doors in October this year as planned by the developers.
“We are now finalising the remaining works and operational preparations. Our expectation is to open in October and begin offering world-class hospitality services to guests from Malawi and beyond,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chimuzu said recruitment has already commenced, with a General Manager and several employees already engaged, while additional staff members will be recruited as the facility prepares for commencement of operations.
“As I am speaking, the hotel has already started employing workers. The General Manager has been hired together with other employees, and more positions will be filled before operations officially begin,” Chimuzu said.
The Mariot Ryalls Hotel project supports Malawi 2063 by promoting private sector-led growth, creating jobs, enhancing tourism infrastructure and contributing towards the long-term vision of achieving an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation.
