JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY MALAWI TOURISM COUNCIL (MTC) AND GIZ-MIERA PROJECT MTC AND GIZ-MIERA PROJECT SIGN CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT

​​ On Monday, 20th November 2017, the Malawi Tourism Council (MTC) and GIZ - More Income and Employment in Rural Areas (MIERA), signed a co-operation agreement outlining how MIERA’s Tourism Component would support MTC in the fulfilment of its role as the recognized body representing the interests of the Tourism Private Sector in Malawi. Malawi Tourism Council (MTC) is an official umbrella body that represents and acts for the private players in the Tourism Sector in Malawi. As a non-profit Trust that was incorporated under the Trustees Incorporation Act on 13th December, 2012, the Council promotes the value of Malawi tourism; advocates and lobby for policy change; and provides strategic direction and united voice for the sustainable development and growth of the tourism industry. MTC is headed by a Board of Trustees and works through an elected Board of non-Executive Directors representative of the tourism industry. The Board of Directors implements its functions through the Secretariat which is headed by an Executive Director. MTC’s Vision is to be the Representative Authority of the Tourism Private Sector in Malawi. Its Mission is to take its Members to greater heights in their quest to realize their aspirations through provision of professional guidance; coordination between sub-sector associations; and linkages between the associations and Government. The Role of MTC include the following:-  To provide Leadership, Strategic Direction, and Lobby with Government for Policy formulation and change on key issues and opportunities affecting the tourism industry.  To encourage broader community support for tourism and its important role in the Malawi economy, and providing strong advocacy for the industry and engaging with other industries and sectors of the economy that contribute to tourism in Malawi.  To develop a strong, sustainable and globally competitive tourism industry through initiatives aimed at driving continual industry development and improvements; and recognizing excellence within the industry.  To promote gender equality, women and youth empowerment; work on HIV/AIDS issues affecting the growth of the industry.  To work in partnership with local, national, regional, and international industry organizations and associations representing and acting on behalf of tourism operators. GIZ has recognized the enormous potential of tourism for economic development, especially in rural areas where often there are few other opportunities. The aim of the MIERA tourism project is, therefore, to work closely with the private sector in order to benefit the communities surrounding the tourism attraction sites and products. “We are pleased that we not only have the opportunity to assist MTC directly, but also to have a strong partner with whom we can work and effectively engage the private sector on the ground.” said Florian Bernhardt, Team Leader of the MIERA Program. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit or GIZ, as it is commonly known, has been working in Malawi on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for more than 30 years. Malawi is a priority partner country for German international development cooperation. The MIERA program is just one of the many development activities undertaken by GIZ in Malawi. The program aims to improve the operations of stakeholders in the value chain to assist small holders and other MSMEs to gain better and easier access to markets. Apart from tourism, other projects in the MIERA program include agricultural value chains and environmentally friendly construction material. For more information on GIZ’s activities, please contact: Florian Bernhardt – Team Leader, GIZ-MIERA Program florian.bernhardt@giz.de

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