Malawi has passed its landmark new Tourism Act that formalises the establishment of the Malawi Tourism Authority (MTA) to regulate the sector and lead coordinated efforts to market the country internationally.
Malawi’s Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule said the Act signals a major policy shift, aiming to create a “modern, competitive and sustainable tourism sector” that aligns with long-term development goals.
“The tourism sector is constantly changing and we needed a legal structure that could keep pace,” explained Kamtukule.
Passed by Malawi’s parliament on April 8, the 2025 Tourism Act repeals and replaces the Tourism and Hotels Act of 1968.
According to Owen Chomanika, Malawi’s Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, the new legislation “mandates the MTA to oversee sector regulation and to lead efforts to market Malawi as a premier tourism destination on the global stage”.
The MTA will also be responsible for facilitating and approving tourism investment projects. The Act has additionally introduced a registration and licensing framework for tourism enterprises, establishments and practitioners to strengthen industry standards.
Under the Act, the Malawi College of Tourism will be introduced – as an upgrade of the Malawi Institute of Tourism – to provide advanced training and skills development for aspiring and current tourism professionals.
