First Malawi 5Star Hotel

Umodzi Park 5 Star Hotel 

The Umodzi Park precinct in the heart of Malawi's capital of Lilongwe officially opened Friday 1 May 2015.

President Mutharika presided over the opening of the complex includes the world class Bingu Was Mutharika Internal Conference Centre the Presidential Villas and the 5 star President Walmont hotel which is the only Malawi's first five-star hotel.

President Mutharika when opening the hotel said the opening of the hotel is a true testimony of a visionary leader and statesman, the late President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency

Professor Bingu wa Mutharika  (his brother) "who believed and encouraged Malawi to develop and prosper and colourful dream believed that Tourism has potential to significantly contribute positively to the economy of this country."

Another view of Umodzi Park 

Mutharika said his late brother  Bingu Wa Mutharika believed that Tourism has potential to significantly contribute positively to the economy of this country and this is why his government is making strong commitments in rehabilitations of roads  leading to tourism sites including airports.

He therefore concurred with Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa who said, opening of the facility will strategically position Malawi to tap into the growing tourism market segment and enhance its image as a destination for international conference and events.

Both informed the fathering that ministry of Tourism has developed the Malawi 2020 Tourism Development Plan, an ambitious 5 - Year Strategic Plan that will guide the development of he sector.

Mutharika said the plan is due for implementation in the next financial year and will see tourism in Malawi contribute 15% to GDP from the current 7.8% creating additional 100,000 jobs from the current 140,000 jobs as well as double tourists arrivals to about 2 million.

"I, therefore, wish to personally pledge my unwavering support in all tourism initiatives that can quickly transform this country, and my willingness to endorse bold measures and mobilize resources for the implementation of the Plan. In this regard, I wish to urge all Government Ministries and the private sector to mainstream tourism in all their policies and programmes as tourism thrives on other sectors such as the transport and aviation sector; safety and security; land; Immigration; telecommunication; energy; water and health, just to mention a few. I further wish to encourage the private sector, such as, Banks, Insurance companies and other Conglomerates like Press Corporation, to seriously consider investing in the tourism sector as is done elsewhere in the region." Said President Mutharika

Umodzi Park Complex was built through financial support from the Government of the Peoples Republic of China.

Mr. Francis Mbilizi, Board Chairperson, Umodzi Holdings Limited at the opening of the  facility said, their confidence in the business drives from the combination of our world class facilities and the expertise from our management, Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts. Our motivation is to satisfy our customers needs and meet their expectations at all times.

Peermont was awarded the management contract by the Umodzi Holdings Board in October 2014. It operates a number  large resorts and convention centres in South Africa and Botswana.