Tourism Entrepreneurial Development and Flight Frequency at a Destination: Case Study of Malawi

Abstract

This paper assesses the role of flight frequency on tourism entrepreneurial development in Malawi. The air transport industry in other African countries is growing stronger and helps to promote tourism entrepreneurial development. Countries such as South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya, have developed strong air transport network which is vital in tourism development.
 On the other hand, many African countries, Malawi inclusive are struggling to develop such air transport network which directly affects tourism entrepreneurial development. Businesses such as travel agencies, tour operators, ground handlers, and airports are highly depending on the airline’s operation to survive.
 In an attempt to analyze the scenario in the tourism industry between airline’s frequency and tourism entrepreneurial development there was a measure of the relationship between the two hence the employment of quantitative approach in addition to in-depth interviews conducted with airline, travel, and tour operations managers to compare the results.
 The study revealed that airlines have a vital role in tourism entrepreneurial development and that without airlines operating, many businesses would not have existed and should all airlines stop operating in the country, many companies would follow suit.
 The study also ascertained that high frequency of flights at a destination means more opportunities and revenue for tourism entrepreneurs.