Lake Malawi National Park tour guides receive training
Lake Malawi National Park, operating as a conservation enterprise under the REFRESH project, has empowered its tour guides to promote sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism
MANGOCHI, Malawi (Planet Defence) - The Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods in Lake Malawi (REFRESH) initiative has recently provided training to tour guides operating within Lake Malawi National Park. The goal is to promote sustainable fisheries conservation and effective eco-tourism management, Elijah Katantha, reporting from Mangochi, highlights this endeavor.
The training involved tour guides, Village Natural Resources Committee (VNRC) members, and curio sellers from Makawa and Sun n Sand in Mangochi district. Its main objective was to enhance tourism management practices, fostering sustainable visitor guidance for the conservation of natural resources, especially fish, while also supporting local livelihoods.
Various topics were covered during the training, including comprehending tourism in Malawi, understanding the country's tourism landscape, tour guiding skills, providing excellent service, and managing the overall tourist experience.
Talandira Kasapira, the Lake Malawi National Park (LMNP) Park Manager, expressed gratitude to Pact Malawi, the implementing organization for the REFRESH Project, for providing the necessary financial support for the training. Kasapira emphasized the importance of taking the training seriously, as it would enhance the guides' skills and further help in safeguarding the national park, which serves as a crucial resource for their livelihoods.
Costance Makonokaya, the Mangochi District Tourism Officer, encouraged participants to register, stay innovative, and exhibit passion in their daily tour guiding activities. She stressed the significance of registration and assured support for individual tour guides or associations seeking recognition.
Sili Matola, a tour guide at Club Makokola, expressed gratitude for the training, stating that such expertise was eagerly awaited. He highlighted the potential for increased skills to enhance client services, leading to improved income generation for the guides.
The comprehensive three-day training involved lecturers from the Malawi Institute of Tourism (MIT) as co-facilitators. The event witnessed the participation of Lake Malawi National Park officers, the Division Manager (Upper Shire), and the Mangochi District Tourism Officer.
Following the classroom sessions, a practical field session took place at Mufasa Eco-Lodge. This practical aspect aimed to provide participants with additional knowledge and skills from experienced and organized tour guides associated with the lodge.
The REFRESH Project, supported by Pact Malawi and funded by USAID, plays a pivotal role in backing Lake Malawi National Park as a conservation enterprise. This initiative aims to protect fish species, particularly the endemic cichlids (Mbuna), and other natural resources while also boosting revenue generation.