By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: Parliament on Tuesday passed Bill No.20 of 2025, the Tourism Bill, which aims to develop a robust and sustainable tourism sector.

This new legislation establishes a legal framework to regulate and standardize the industry, aligning it with the country's development goals outlined in MW 2063.

Speaking during the presentation of the Bill in Parliament on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Minister of Natural Resource and Climate Change, Owen Chomanika, said the Bill mandates the Malawi Tourism Authority to regulate the sector and promote Malawi as a top tourist destination, locally and internationally.

"The bill sets up the Malawi College of Tourism as the government's primary tourism professional training institution, defining its functions and powers,” said Chomanika.

He added: “A registration and licensing framework is established for tourism enterprises, establishments, and practitioners, to ensure industry standards.”

The minister noted that the tourism sector plays a significant role in Malawi's economy, contributing to inclusive development and poverty reduction, especially in rural areas where most tourist attractions are located.

 The Bill is expected to enhance the sector's performance by promoting tourism investment, and the Malawi Tourism Authority will facilitate and approve tourism investment projects

Additionally, the registration and licensing framework will ensure that tourism enterprises meet required standards, according to Chomanika.

He described the passing of the Bill as a “significant step” towards developing Malawi's tourism sector, and that the government will need to implement the new framework, establish the Malawi Tourism Authority and the Malawi Tourism College of Tourism, and ensure effective enforcement of regulations.