This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scots tourism experts support Malawi
23/05/2006
Scottish tourism chiefs are set to export their expertise to help Malawi develop its fledgling tourism industry.
VisitScotland will consider where it can best assist with the delivery of a tourism development plan for Malawi.
The collaboration is part of the tourism strand of the co-operation agreement signed between Scotland and Malawi last November.
Speaking from Malawi, where she is agreeing the implementation of the next phase of the co-operation agreement, Minister with responsibility for International Development Patricia Ferguson said:
"Visitscotland can offer Malawi invaluable advice to assist it to develop its fledgling tourism industry.
"Tourism is an area where there is considerable potential for co-operation between Scotland and Malawi. In this regard, our two countries have so much in common - beautiful landscapes, unique wildlife, and most importantly of all, the warm friendly welcome.
"A thriving tourism industry offers Malawi an opportunity to attract much needed foreign investment and generate sustainable, skilled job opportunities across the whole of the country."
Malawi Minister for Information and Tourism Patricia Kaliati said:
"The bonds between our two countries are very strong and I am very much looking forward to co-operation on tourism.
"Malawi is a beautiful country but our tourism industry is still in its infancy. I am sure there is much we can learn from Scotland's experience."
Philip Riddle, VisitScotland's Chief Executive, said:
"We are happy to share our expertise and have worked with both South Africa and Namibia in recent years and look forward to doing so with Malawi.
"We know the important role that tourism can play in supporting sustainable economic development, creating jobs and bringing money into the country."