GUIDES TRAINED - Mangochi tour guides hone skills in eco-tourism business
The five days tour guides training emphasized the critical role of local communities in sustaining Lake Malawi National Park's ecosystem and eco-tourism business including national safety
MANGOCHI, Malawi (Planet Defence) - To enhance sustainable livelihoods around Lake Malawi National Park, 13 tour guides (4 women and 9 men) from Mangochi district underwent training in eco-tourism, part of the Lake Malawi National Park's project supporting biodiversity conservation and community sustainability writes Maureen Kawerama.
The initiative received funding from the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF).
Conducted over five days in Mangochi-Monkey-Bay and co-facilitated with the Malawi Institute of Tourism, the training emphasized the critical role of local communities in sustaining Lake Malawi National Park's ecosystem and eco-tourism, as highlighted by Talandira Kasapira, Lake Malawi National Park Manager.
Kasapira emphasized, "Tour guides and local communities play a pivotal role in Lake Malawi National Park's sustainability. They are the faces tourists encounter and represent the essence of eco-tourism. It's crucial for them to possess the right knowledge and skills to present LMNP effectively."
Dennis Magodi, Head of Travel and Tourism Management at the Malawi Institute of Tourism, stressed the necessity of the training due to a significant knowledge gap among the tour guides.
"Previous experiences indicated that these individuals lacked essential information for visitors. This training addresses that gap, ensuring they can provide accurate and Ministry of Tourism-approved information," stated Magodi.
Magodi added, "Tour guides are vital not just for tourism but also for national security. If they lack proper information, it compromises not only tourism but also national safety."
Reflecting on the training's impact, Kelvin Muthali, a guide from Maudzu village, Senior Chief Nankumba in Mangochi, expressed gratitude for the eye-opening experience.
"During my six years as a tour guide, I lacked formal knowledge and skills. This training has filled that gap, providing valuable practical lessons. I am now equipped to deliver services efficiently," shared Muthali.
Catherine Baluti, hailing from Mangochi-Monkey-bay, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the comprehensive understanding gained about the tour guide business through the training.