Zanzibar Moves to Diversify Tourism Offer Beyond Beach Holidays
Zanzibar's government has outlined plans to broaden its tourism sector during the first 100 days of its second phase in office, with Acting Minister for Tourism and Heritage Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga announcing a strategic shift beyond traditional beach tourism. The government is actively developing offerings in conference, festival, sports, and medical tourism, while intensifying international promotion through participation in major trade events including FITUR in Spain and World Travel Market in London.
Tourism currently accounts for more than 30% of Zanzibar's GDP and supports over 65,000 jobs, underscoring the sector's central role in the island's economy. At a local level, the government is backing cultural events such as the Sauti za Busara festival to promote heritage tourism and community participation. The diversification drive aligns with the ruling party's 2025 - 2030 manifesto, with officials emphasising that growth will be pursued alongside the preservation of Zanzibar's cultural and environmental integrity.
Source: Daily News