Editor's Note: On November 11, the International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports (MTOS) 2025 commenced in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. With the continued theme "Integration of Culture, Tourism and Sports Presents a High Quality Life," this year's Conference featured a series of events including the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) Annual Conference 2025, the International Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference 2025, a Field Trip to Guizhou Mountain Tourism Destinations, and the Bank of Guizhou·Mountain Culture, Tourism and Outdoor Sport Equipment Exhibition. Over 350 participants gathered, including representatives from international organizations, government and tourism departments of relevant countries, diplomatic missions in China, tourism-related enterprises, mountain tourism destination management agencies, experts, scholars, and media from more than 30 countries and regions. They explored new pathways for the integrated development of "Mountain Tourism +", shared new achievements in mountain tourism development, and worked together to build a prosperous new future for mountain tourism. Khumbo Rudo Mzikamanda, Vice Consul for Trade at the Consulate General of the Republic of Malawi in Changsha, made a presentation at the 2025 International Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference.
The following is the full text of the presentation:
Your Excellencies, Leaders Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, It is a profound honor to address this year’s International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference.
On behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Malawi in Changsha, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Guizhou Provincial Government for the warm hospitality and the International Mountain Tourism Alliance for inviting the Consulate to this enriching and visionary forum.
Your commitment to uniting culture, tourism, and sports in the pursuit of a high-quality life truly embodies the spirit of global partnership.
At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jinping outlined ten partnership actions to strengthen collaboration between Africa and the People’s Republic of China. Among these, the emphasis on people-to-people and cultural exchanges resonates deeply with today’s gathering, as we explore how mountain tourism connects communities, cultures, and shared aspirations.
This conference stands as a living example of that vision — where nature and humanity meet to shape a sustainable future.
Malawi is a land where nature and culture are beautifully intertwined — a country that captures the poetry of Africa’s landscapes. Our mountains are not distant silhouettes on the horizon; they are living symbols of identity, heritage, and opportunity.
The majestic Mount Mulanje stands as the highest peak in Southern Africa and is home to the rare Mulanje cedar trees. Often called “The Island in the Sky,” it rises above the clouds with stunning peaks, lush forests and hidden waterfalls and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history, beauty and biodiversity.
Scenery of the Republic of Malawi
The Zomba Plateau, with its fern-fringed paths, rolling grasslands, and panoramic viewpoints, provides trails for cyclists and trekkers seeking both challenge and tranquility.
In the Nyika Highlands, vast grasslands dotted with over 200 species of orchids and diverse wildlife — including zebras, elephants, and leopards — reveal nature in its purest form.
Each of these landscapes offers adventure, beauty, and reflection — experiences that linger long after the journey ends.
Wildlife in the Republic of Malawi | Source: pexels@timon-cornelissen
Outdoor sports are becoming one of Malawi’s most dynamic tourism frontiers. Every year, the Mulanje Porters Race on Mulanje Mountain attracts athletes and adventurers from around the world. It is not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of resilience, community spirit, and the deep bond between people and mountains.
Beyond running, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, and eco-trekking are gaining popularity. Mulanje Mountain offers world-class climbing and hiking routes through ancient and unique cedar trees. The Zomba Plateau now hosts scenic cycling and hiking trails and nature walks, while the Nyika Highlands are emerging as ideal destinations for endurance sports and eco-photography. Marked trails in Nyika Highlands for those ready to hike and camp offers chances to encounter the animals in the park close at hand.
Wildlife on the Nyika Plateau | Source: pexels@phirigodfrey
These initiatives reflect Malawi’s ambition to build inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven adventure tourism — one that benefits both visitors and local communities.
But our mountains are more than playgrounds for adventure — they are living museums of culture and tradition. At the foothills of Mount Mulanje and the Zomba Plateau, visitors are welcomed with song, dance, and the warmth of Malawian hospitality. Beautiful tea plantations, historic sites, and cultural villages showcase the harmony between nature, history, and community.
People of the Republic of Malawi | Source: pexels@kwsignatureseries
And so, I extend to you a heartfelt invitation:
When you next seek a place where mountains whisper stories of courage, where every trail leads to discovery, and every encounter feels like coming home — come to Malawi.
Climb Mount Mulanje, where clouds drift below your feet.
Cycle across the Zomba Plateau, where waterfalls and wild orchids greet you at every turn.
Explore the Nyika Highlands, where wildlife roams beneath vast mountain skies.
Then descend to the shores of Lake Malawi, Africa’s third-largest lake and one of the world’s most biodiverse freshwater treasures—a living sanctuary for over a thousand species of colorful cichlid fish.
Explore the diverse wildlife in the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves.
Yet, beyond our landscapes, the true beauty of Malawi lies in its people. Visitors often say: “You come for the scenery, but you stay for the people.” Known as The Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi welcomes all with kindness, culture, and open hearts. From our dances and crafts to our traditional cuisine—especially our beloved local delicacy, Chambo fish and Nsima—we celebrate life through shared connection and community.
Daily Life of the People in the Republic of Malawi | Source: pexels@ammad-rasool
The theme of this year’s conference — Integration of Culture, Tourism and Sports — aligns perfectly with Malawi’s vision for sustainable tourism development. We view tourism not as a single industry, but as a living ecosystem. A hiking trail leading to a cultural village; a cycling route that coincides with a traditional festival; a mountain expedition that becomes a lesson in conservation; and a Yatching marathon that may end in a sumptuous local dish of Chambo fish and Nsima by the beautiful shores of the blue Lake Malawi.
Our guiding principle is sustainability. We recognize that mountains are fragile ecosystems— sources of water, biodiversity, and identity. Protecting them ensures that tourism remains a force for good. Through eco-tourism, community participation, and environmental stewardship, Malawi promotes low-impact infrastructure, empowers local guiding associations, and trains youth as rangers and adventure leaders.
On Mount Mulanje, for instance, local communities partner with the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust to protect forests and replant endangered cedar trees- demonstrating that adventure and conservation can thrive together.
Through our Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, the Government continues to encourage investment in eco-friendly infrastructure, community lodges, sustainable adventure sports and skills development- ensuring that tourism enriches both visitors and host communities.
At the same time, we remain mindful of the challenges of climate change, deforestation, and resource pressure. In response, we are expanding reforestation programs, enforcing environmental laws, and partnering internationally to safeguard our mountain heritage for generations to come.
For us, sustainability is not just a policy — it is a way of life.
Mulanje Cedar Reforestation Project in Collaboration with the Local Mulanje Community
Malawi is eager to strengthen partnerships that advance sustainable mountain tourism. We invite governments, investors, sports organizations, and conservation agencies to view Malawi not only as a destination but as a partner in promoting eco-adventure, cultural authenticity, and inclusive growth. Together, we can tell the story of Africa’s mountains—not as remote frontiers, but as living landscapes of opportunity and hope.
Our vision is clear: to position Malawi as a leading adventure tourism hub in Africa, where athletes, explorers, and nature lovers can connect with both people and place. By uniting adventure, culture, and care for the environment, we can create experiences that bring joy to travelers, pride in communities, and prosperity to our nation.
In closing, on behalf of the Malawi Consulate General, allow me to once again express, deep appreciation to the Guizhou Provincial Government and the International Mountain Tourism Alliance for this opportunity to share our story and to learn from yours.
May our collective efforts continue to strengthen the bond between culture, tourism, and sports—for a world where nature and humanity thrive together. Thank you for your attention.
Image and text source: IMTA
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
