Z’bar vows tourism reforms after bagging awards

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has reaffirmed its commitment to reforming policies, laws and regulations to enhance the global competitiveness of its tourism sector.

Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga expressed the determination during a press briefing in Zanzibar, following the islands’ recent success in winning two out of three prestigious titles at the 2025 World Travel Awards for Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination, held in Dar es Salaam.

“These reforms are part of the government’s broader strategy to position Zanzibar as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, aligning with international standards in service delivery, environmental conservation and infrastructure investment,” said Minister Soraga.

He said that the changes include updating the tourism law, streamlining the investor permit process and creating a more enabling environment for tourism service providers.

“We aim to foster a truly competitive environment where Zanzibar is known not just for its beautiful beaches, but also for its professionalism, safety and innovation in tourism services,” he added.

Minister Siraga said tourism remains one of Zanzibar’s primary sources of revenue, expressing confidence that the ongoing reforms will further solidify the islands’ position as a top destination in East Africa and globally.

“Zanzibar continues to attract a growing number of visitors from around the world, a clear reflection of the government’s determination to expand and sustain this critical sector,” he said.

Speaking on the recent accolades, the minister revealed that Zanzibar was named both Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2025 and Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2025, beating out strong contenders like Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda (Kigali) and Kenya.

He stressed that this was not Zanzibar’s first time earning the beach destination title, having previously won in 2013, 2021, 2022 and again in 2025.

“Zanzibar triumphed over iconic locations such as Bazaruto in Mozambique, Cape Maclear in Malawi, Cape Town in South Africa and Diani Beach in Kenya. This win confirms our status as Africa’s top beach destination,” he noted.

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Minister Soraga attributed the awards to the government’s efforts through the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism and close collaboration with key stakeholders including ZATO, ZATI, ZATOGA, HAZ, ZNCC and other private sector partners.

He also recognised several local resorts and hotels that received top honours, Lux Marijani Hotel – Tanzania’s Leading Beach Resort 2025; Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa – Tanzania’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2025; and Melia Zanzibar – Zanzibar’s Leading Resort & Tanzania’s Leading Resort 2025.

Others are Tulia Zanzibar Hotel – Zanzibar’s Leading Boutique Resort 2025; Bawe Island – Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025; and Ycona Luxury Resort – Zanzibar’s Leading Villa Resort 2025.

He stressed that continued public-private sector collaboration will be prioritised to drive innovation, enhance service quality and open more investment opportunities in the industry.

“These awards are not only a badge of honor but also a powerful tool to elevate Zanzibar’s profile on the global stage, as the World Travel Awards are recognised worldwide as a benchmark of excellence in travel, tourism and hospitality,” he explained.

Minister Soraga also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr Hussein Mwinyi for their strong leadership and vision in positioning Zanzibar as a global tourism hub through strategic investments and policy direction.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving visitor experiences, safeguarding the islands’ natural and cultural heritage and ensuring that local population fully benefits from the sector’s growth.

The minister urged tourism stakeholders to maintain close cooperation with the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism to ensure the sustainability of these achievements.

In a major announcement, Soraga revealed that the 2026 Global Ceremony of the World Travel Awards will be hosted in Tanzania and efforts are underway to bring the prestigious event to Zanzibar.

“If successful, this will be a historic milestone that will significantly boost the economic and international value of our islands,” he concluded.