END OF YEAR REPORT
With November's World Travel Market behind us and the New Year approaching, it's the time to assess Malawi's tourism progress in 2007. The increasing interest, by the trade and the travelling public, in Malawi as a holiday destination, was manifest. There's no doubt, from evidence throughout the year, that Malawi's tourism industry is on a roll. Press coverage is much more in evidence than ever before. Enquiries, website hits, brochure requests – all show significant growth, and, yes, visitor numbers are growing at an unprecedented rate. Particularly strong evidence of growth comes from new investment in the tourism sector within Malawi with six new, quality lodges just opened or under construction. On the other side of the equation is matching growth in interest from the travel trade as seen in the increasing number of brochure entries for Malawi and the entry of some of the larger travel companies into the business of selling Malawi. A most recent example of the latter is Voyages Jules Verne who are now offering sixteen scheduled departures for 2008.
All that remains in 2007 is for us to thank you for your interest in Malawi this year and to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

LONG WAY DOWN
Actors Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman's motorcycle crossing of Africa, the "Long Way Down" project, has proved to be a popular TV series of programmes with encouraging emphasis placed on the Malawian section of the journey. His party stayed at Sangilo Sanctuary Lodge, Chintheche Inn and Kumbali Country Lodge. McGregor's wife joined the group on their arrival in Malawi and he had a surprise re-union with his mother once in Lilongwe – at Kumbali Country Lodge.  These events, and their enthusiasm for the country, helped increase Malawi's coverage.
         By all accounts, a great time was had both by guests and hosts in the characteristically relaxed atmosphere. Their love of Lake Malawi and its beaches should generate plenty of interest in Malawi's Lake of Stars!

GETTING ACTIVE
Malawi has not been slow to adapt to the trend towards more active holidays. The days of 'laze and gaze' have been superseded by calls for action. Partly because of its diversity of terrain, Malawi lends itself to the development of activity or 'soft adventure' holidays. There's something to satisfy almost every taste and energy level. Naturally, Lake Malawi has nearly every watersport imaginable, from scuba diving to parasailing. Earlier in the year it was voted the world's best venue for freshwater diving and the opportunities, together with snorkelling, are spread around the lake's shoreline. Small craft sailing to luxury yacht cruising, water skiing, swimming, kayaking or angling, all are catered for. On land, trekking, walking, biking (including mountain biking), horse riding and quad biking are on offer. Central Africa's highest peak, Mount Mulanje, attracts the serious climber as well as those who prefer a less strenuous ascent to the summits of this 3000m colossus. Get active: go Malawi!
         In 2008, we will be organising a fam trip/educational specifically orientated to tour operators focussed on activity holidays & soft adventure, so let us know if you might be interested in joining this.
enquiries@malawitourism.com

OFFER TO TOUR OPERATORS
Travel companies sending clients to Malawi can now obtain copies of the Spectrum Guide to Malawi at a very special price of just GBP5 per copy (plus postage at cost). The bookshop price is GBP13.99. The book makes an excellent incentive gift to clients and the special price makes it a very good PR offer. The Spectrum Guide remains the most comprehensive guide to Malawi on the market. Highly attractive with full colour throughout (including 270 photographs, maps and charts), the book is the sort of gift that is much appreciated by visitors to Malawi, combining usefulness as a guide with a wonderful souvenir of any visit. Contact the Tourism Information Office for details of how to take up this offer.
enquiries@malawitourism.com

MISCELLANY

• Ulendo Safaris, one of Malawi's best known operators, is now offering self-drive holidays following the purchase of a fleet of new Toyota Land Cruisers, each with ample room for a party of five with their luggage. Ulendo will draw-up a bespoke itinerary and offer full support throughout the holiday. For those who would prefer to leave the driving to someone else, drivers and guides can be provided.
• The situation regarding visitors to the Nyika National Park and the Vwaza Wildlife Reserve remains unclear. Tour Operators interested in the famous Nyika plateau or Vwaza, should enquire at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Ministry of Tourism: dnpw@malawi.net  tourism@malawi.net
• The Malawi Stand at this year's Destinations Travel Show is AF57. The dates are 31 Jan to 3 Feb with a Malawi presentation in the 'Meet the Experts' theatre on the Friday. A limited number of free tickets are available for the Show. Call 0115 982 1903 in the New Year for availability.
• Makuzi Beach Lodge has a new email address. It is: makuzibeach@globemw.net