Blantyrei — Malawi's largest coach company Shire Bus Lines intends introducing new tourism routes into neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries from March this year.

The new service will include express coaches between the central Mozambican city of Beira, Mozambique's capital Maputo, Zambia's capital Lusaka, Tanzania's capital Dar es Salaam and a range of other cities.

Shire Bus Lines chief executive Humphrey Mvula said the new luxury service followed the purchase of 45 new coaches from South Africa.

"Backpackers, adventure tourists and other budget conscience travellers currently have to fly around the region, or rely on a hodge-podge or local bus companies to get around. We intend offering a single reliable service, with good quality seats, throughout the region," said Mvula.

Shire Bus Lines currently only operates one international route, from Blantyre in Malawi to the Zimbabwean capital, Harare.

"The fantastic response of this line has convinced us to expand to other countries," said Mvula.

Shire Bus Lines is managed and run by a government-owned parastatal, the Agricultural Development & Marketing Corporation.