MZUZU--Malawi's Mzuzu University (Mzuni) Thursday urged the government and private sector to support the faculty of tourism, saying it could help boost the country's economy.

Mzuni took advantage of the World Tourism Day commemorations to make call, saying they offer a degree programme in Tourism and Hospitality Management which has already benefited the private sector across the country.

Dean of the faculty, a Mr. Nyirenda, said proper and quality service delivery were vital in turning around the economy, observing that it can also boast other economic sectors such as agriculture. He said Mzuni rolled out the programme to train more productive young people so that they can help transform the country’s economy.

“The tourism sector plays a significant role in creating demand for other services in Malawi. The water sector, for example, can't forge ahead if there is no demand for it in the motels and hotels. The same applies to other areas like the agriculture sector,´´ observed Nyirenda.

Acting deputy vice chancellor for Mzuni, Professor Joseph Uta, said the university was committed to supporting the faculty of tourism and hospitality management at the institution.

He said tourism plays an important role in achieving millennium goals, adding that it should adapt to the conditions of climate change which is also adversely affecting tourism sector.

"This year´s theme props us to continue thinking on how tourism can power renewable energy," Uta said. 

He disclosed that Mzuni was reviewing the faculty´s curriculum so that students, apart from learning how to smile professionally, they should also learn how they can help and advance renewable energy technologies.

He also appealed for support from the Malawi government and the private sector, saying lack of resources was impacting the tourism program.

This year's celebrations were held under the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Energy Powering Sustainable Development’, and students pursuing the programme visited Wovwe Hydro-electric power station in Karonga where they were told how to curb global warming and the use of renewable energy resources.

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