Zimba to represent Malawi atMiss Tourism International

M iss Tourism Malawi Maureen Keira Zimba is expected to represent the country at the upcoming Miss Tourism International 2026 pageant to take place in the Philippines in December.

She was crowned Miss Tourism Malawi earlier this year during the Miss Culture Malawi national pageant grand finale where she was also named Miss Culture Malawi second princess.

Miss Tourism International brings together contestants from different countries to promote tourism, cultural diversity and international friendship.

In an interview, Miss Tourism Malawi chief executive Lorraine Kljajic said the experience gained from sending contestants to international pageants has helped the organisation to identify areas that need improvement, including allocating more time for intensive stage training.

She said the knowledge will be crucial as they prepare for Miss Tourism International to strengthen Zimba’s stage presentation.

Kljajic said: “We are working towards sending a representative who is not only beautiful but also knowledgeable, articulate and capable of representing Malawi with distinction.”

She said the team is approaching the competition with experience, determination and a clear understanding of what is expected.

The organisation is also working on Zimba’s travel arrangements, wardrobe and other requirements, while engaging potential sponsors to support her participation.

Zimba is expected to use the platform to showcase Malawi’s tourist attractions, cultural heritage and traditions, while promoting the country as the Warm Heart of Africa.

Kljajic said the competition offers an opportunity to market Malawi internationally, adding that support from businesses, government institutions, the media and the public will be important in preparing Zimba for the event.

She said: “When you support Miss Tourism Malawi, you are also investing in the international visibility of Malawi as a tourism destination.

“When a young woman steps onto an international stage wearing the Malawi flag, she is no longer representing herself or her organisation alone. She is representing over 20 million Malawians.”

Malawi has previously participated in international pageants under the organisation, with Olivia Masonga placing in the Top 10 at Miss Tourism Africa International in 2025 and receiving the Beauty Impact Award.

In a separate interview, Zimba said she is in intensive training on catwalk, question and answer and advocacy work and she is working closely her designers on her national costume and evening gowns that represent Malawi’s beauty.

She said she is also refining her project known as Unstoppable Me which combines beauty, purpose

 and sustainable tourism, using her personal experiences to inspire others and showcase Malawi’s resilience.

“I will share my own story from a girl who went to school barefoot, in a torn uniform and was told she would never make it, to representing my country internationally,” said Zimba.

She acknowledged that the journey has also been demanding due to limited sponsorship but thanked Mount Carmel Motors alongside Apple Store Malawi and Sky Lockers Entertainment for sponsoring her.