The development of the tourism industry as a major foreign exchange earner is one of the Malawi Government's key objectives. The opening of international airports at Chileka (in Blantyre) and Lilongwe has increased the country's accessibility. Tourism has been a significant growth sector for Malawi over the last decade. At present, the sector is focusing its efforts on overcoming the shortage of hotel beds and improving ground transport and tourism related infrastructure. The tourism sector in Malawi has excellent potential for growth. The country already enjoys a favourable image internationally as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' with a reputation for friendly hospitality, high service standards, a temperate climate and diverse tourist attraction ranging from game safaris to water sport facilities. Tourism investment opportunities include:

• Developing game and lakeside hotels and lodges
• Developing city centre and resort area restaurants and hotels
• Time-share developments
• Game parks
• Cruise boats on Lake Malawi and Casinos

The principal tourist attraction in the country is Lake Malawi which is set among rolling hills covered in tropical vegetation. Among the fully developed areas are Mangochi at the southern end of the lake and Salima area on the south-Western shore. Birdlife at Lake Malawi is spectacular. The lake has one of the highest diversities of fresh water tropical fish in the world, some of which are unique to Lake Malawi alone. Fishing for salmon, bream, black bass and tiger fish is a popular past time. Around Cape Maclear, there are excellent snorkeling and diving spots as the water is crystal clear. The 365 miles long and 52 miles wide Lake Malawi -- often referred to as the calendar lake on imperial measuring system -- is the world's ninth largest lake.

There are five national parks in Malawi notable for their spectacular scenery, unspoilt beauty and rich diversity. Nyika National Park is located on a 26,000 metre-high escarpment which offers magnificent views of Lake Malawi's northern shores. It is home to a large herd of roan antelope, eland and reedbuck. Kasungu National Park is within easy driving distance of Lilongwe. It has excellent habitat for elephant with the rolling woodlands and grassy river channels. Liwonde National Park is considered to be one of the best wildlife reserves in Malawi. Birdlife is prolific among the flood plains and reed swamps. African fish eagles, palmnut vultures, Pel's fishing owls and Kingfisher are common sites along the river. It is also home to herd of elephant, hippos, waterbuck, reedbuck, sable antelope and lions.

Lake Malawi National Park was declared a national heritage being the world's first fresh water park. Malawi has one of the largest numbers of orchid species in Africa. More than 400 different types have been identified. Zomba mountain and Nyika plateau are some of the best places to see orchids and other native flora.

Blantyre: Michiru Mountain Park with over a hundred bird species and also mammals such as duiker, blue monkeys and baboons. The city also has a museum and zoo. Another feature one should not fail to see is St. Michael’s and All Angels Church completed in 1891, built by the Rev. Scott and a team of local workmen with no knowledge of architecture or building techniques.

Lilongwe: Nature sanctuary and education centre is worth visiting. There is a wealth of bird life in the original African woodland which has been conserved there.

Zomba: The Zomba plateau offers a lot of interesting sites and sceneries. The Mulunguzi Dam and many streams are excellent for trout fishing. There are also many possibilities for hiking.

Mangochi: In addition to the Lake Malawi National Park, there is also the Boadzulu bird island.