By Lyte Ali
National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCM) has launched a tourism entrepreneurship training programme with a focus on snorkeling and diving as one way of commemorating the tourism month of September.
The training which is supported by government aims at equipping young people with skills they need to contribute to the economic growth of the tourism industry.
Over 20 youths from six lakeshore districts across the country are participating in the first ever one week training which is led by experts in marine.
Speaking during the opening of the training in Mangochi, Executive Director for NYCM, Rex Chapota said the tourism sector has been a key driver for growth and development, with vast potential to significantly contribute to the country’s economy.
“The youth are the backbone of our nation and it is important that we equip them with the necessary skills, by doing so, we are not only building a vibrant industry but also creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth, he said.
Chapota said President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has identified tourism as one of the priority areas for development in line with Malawi 2063 Agenda.
He said in line with the Malawi 2063 Vision, various initiatives are being implemented to provide young people with training and mentorship programmes focusing on areas such as tourism marketing and entrepreneurship.
Chapota added that the programs aims at equipping the youth with skills and knowledge required to compete on the global tourism market.
“Time has come for Malawi to take its rightful place on the global tourism map and as you know young people are key to achieving this, we are committed to supporting the vision 2063 in empowering the youth to become the driving force behind Malawi’s tourism transformation.
“As the country celebrates Malawi Tourism Month in September, our focus is on showcasing the vast potential of the sector and the opportunities available for young people. With government’s commitment to empowering the youth and the private sector’s investment in tourism sector, Malawi is poised to become a leading tourist destination in the region, he added.
In her remarks, Senior Assistant Tourism Officer for Mangochi District Council, Constance Makonokaya expressed hope that the training will help to boost the tourism sector, adding that it will empower the youth to become innovative entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, enabling them to create opportunities that will benefit themselves and their peers.
One of the participants, Genevieve Mbwana, a manager at Thundudzi Beach and Camp Site in Karonga, expressed gratitude to be part of the tourism entrepreneurship training programme, noting that the knowledge and skills gained will empower them to bring change in their communities.
“We are delighted to be selected among thousands of the youth who applied for this training, this training is just the beginning of creating a new Chilumba that will attract more visitors. l am confident that by the end of this training, we will be equipped to develop our communities and become more innovative entrepreneurs, she said.
Participants attending the training include youths from Salima, Karonga, Likoma, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay and Mangochi.
