Failure to generate forex, loss of jobs, is some of the issues that have greatly affected the tourism industry in the first quarter of the year.

Conceding this in an interview with YONECO FM online, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Dr Michael Usi said lack of activity in the tourism industry due to Covid-19 restrictions on travels has made Malawians resort to sand mining, wanton cutting down of trees among others.

“All these anti tourism activities have emanated from the desperation and frustration of not earning money through tourism,” said Usi.

He described this as an unfortunate development and mentioned that his ministry is revamping tourism sites in order to promote domestic tourism.

“We are coming up with action plans to ensure that we add value to physical features such as Malape Hills, Lake Malawi so as to generate income when Covid-19 is over,” said Usi.