On April 19 1969, former President Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda opened a four-star hotel known as Sunbird Mount Soche. Half a decade later, the hotel still stands, having achieved many  major strides and accolades.

Sunbird Chief Executive Officer Yusuf Olela recalls moments when the hotel hosted notables such as Nelson Mandela, who stayed at the hotel during the 2004 Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) meetings.

From opening with 70 rooms and growing to 130 rooms, the hotel has never ceased its efforts to grow and better its services; Olela reveals further developments at the hotel. “This year, Sunbird Mount Soche will unveil its 500+ seater state-of-the-art conference centre, befitting international standards and enhancing the conference experience.”

The CEO also recognised the hotel’s customers and stakeholders, thanking them for supporting the hotel and making Sunbird a preferred hospitality brand in Malawi. “As a group, we remain committed to elevating the country on the global hospitality landscape by ensuring continuous improvement of our products and services through redevelopment of our hotels and capacity-building of our people who are our greatest assets and the pillar of our success,” Olela said.