September 30 2023 will go down in history as the memorable day that Malawi Tourism Council (MTC) held its first Tourism Awards in Malawi to honour outstanding players.
Speaking during the event, Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule said the local tourism industry has the potential to grow if players are dedicated.
She encouraged tourism industry players to keep growing, being innovative and working together.
MTC executive director Memory Monba-Kamthunzi said they want to use the awards platform to inspire excellence by motivating hospitality and tourism players to strive for professionalism and excellence in their operations.
“The awards are also meant to provide an opportunity to network and make partnerships. Such linkages promote collaboration between the tourism sector and other industries, in the process fostering cross-sector partnerships and growth,” she said.
During the event, spiced by musical performances and poetry, Blantyre-based Amaryllis Hotel won The Leading Hotel Award while Kumbali Lodge of Lilongwe won The Leading Lodge Award. The Sunbird Waterfront in Salima won The Leading Lake Resort Award, Kutchire Lodge in Machinga got the Leading National Park/Game Reserve Lodge and Bingu International Convention Centre of Lilongwe scooped the Leading Meetings and Conference Centre.
The event also awarded Mama Mia Restaurant, Lilongwe as The Leading Restaurant Award, Chef Ipyana Mwagomba famed for his goat soup won the Leading Chef Award as Ethiopian Airlines won the Leading Airline Award.
Avis Car Hire got the Leading Car Hire Award, while Central Wilderness Safaris got the Leading Tour Operator Award. Majete Game Reserve in Chikwawa won the Leading Game Reserve/National Park Award while the Destination Promotion Individual Award went to travel blogger Travel with Mervis.
Other winners included Prophet Shepherd Bushiri who got the Tourism Achiever Award, Mount Mulanje as the Leading Tourist Attraction Award and Kungoni Cultural Centre in Mua, Dedza as the Leading Community-based Tourism Organisation.
One of the awardees, Chef Mwagomba expressed gratitude with the recognition.
He said: “My career as a chef has not really been fully appreciated here, but it brings me immense joy to see not only myself but also many other Malawian chefs inspired and encouraged. Finally our efforts are beginning to receive the recognition they deserve.”
On his part, Amaryllis Hotel manager Remy Waheed said the award is a reminder that all hard work shall be rewarded.
“We are proud to state that we comply with all necessary requirements of the council for our category. We are encouraged to continue excellence service delivery. We believe we are the best and now we know that Malawi believes we are the best too,” he said.
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