The Malawi Government is scouting for investors to manage Lifupa Ecotourism Lodge in Kasungu National Park in a long term concession agreement.
Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife is, currently, requesting for expressions of interest from investors to take over management of the lodge complemented by a campsite, which accommodates 35 visitors and three existing tents.
“What adds to the beauty of the Lodge is the presence of Lifupa Damfacing the chalets and bar; reception and its information room,” says the Department in a Press Statement.
It states that among the recent additions at the site is a swimming pool within its vicinity, and the lodge has also staff houses including the Lodge Manager’s house.
The lodge is currently running at around 15 to 25% occupancy rate, which is on the lower side.
The Department says the objectives of the concession include to produce a tourism product within the framework of sustainable and responsible tourism for the optimum benefit of the stakeholders; rehabilitate the lodge facilities to the required standards so that the lodge remains attractive for ecotourism;improve revenue collection for the park; and help achieve conservation of the natural resources in and around the site and activity areas.
The concessionaire is expected to assess extent of damage on Lifupa lodge facilities, compile a report on the damage and recommend appropriate interventions, and cost the proposed interventions and finance and rehabilitate the facilities.
The Department says the preferred concessionaire should have at least three years’ experience in managing and operating an ecotourism lodge or related ecotourism ventures in protected areas, two years’ experience in ecotourism business marketing, well qualified staff, and experience in wildlife conservation and ecotourism development.