Compliance & Regulatory

The Compliance & Regulatory Department plays a key role in upholding standards across Malta’s tourism industry. In line with Article 40 of the Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act (Chapter 409), the department is tasked with monitoring tourism operations to ensure compliance with legal and quality standards. This is carried out through regular inspections of licensed establishments and services.

Beyond enforcement, the department actively supports the industry in exceeding minimum legal requirements. Its team works closely with operators to guide them towards higher standards, fostering a collaborative approach to quality improvement. Officers also serve as a vital link between tourism stakeholders and other departments within the Malta Tourism Authority, as well as external entities such as the Food Safety & Security Authority (MAFA), Health Department, Lands Authority, Police, and Trade Department.

The legal framework enabling the department’s operations is set out in Article 21 of Legal Notice 128 of 2002 (Subsidiary Legislation 409.08), as amended by Legal Notices 186 of 2002, 409 of 2004, and 85 of 2005 – the Tourism Operations (General) Regulations.