From a profit of K507 million profit in 2017, Blantyre Hotels made K352 million in 2018.

Attributing the profit drop to reduced revenue and increased costs, BHL Chairperson, Vizenge Kumwenda, told stakeholders attending the annual general meeting, that trading conditions in 2018 were not favorable.

Figures showed that due to lower occupancy in the year due to slow down in corporate travel, total revenue for the company went down by 1.7%, from K4.1 billion in 2017 to K4 billion in 2018. On the other hand, direct expenses increased from K1.71 million to K1.81 million, representing an increase of 6%, which was attributed to a 9% inflation average.

Moving forward, the BHL Chairperson said that the company will intensify international and local leisure market campaigns, to achieve maximum profits. “We will intensify international and local brand campaigns in addition to strengthening our Marriott loyalty program in the market” he said.