Mwinyi advocates for sports growth to boost tourism

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enhancing sports development on the Isles as a way to promote local talent and boost tourism.

This commitment was expressed by Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, who delivered a speech on behalf of President Mwinyi during the Tigo-Zantel International Marathon held over the weekend at Forodhani Park in Stone Town, Unguja.

VP Abdulla noted that the Zanzibar government will continue to invest in sports, creating an environment conducive to athletic growth.

This investment is expected to significantly enhance tourism by attracting international participants to events such as marathons.

“The government’s role in sports, as in other sectors, is to provide the necessary support for development. Achieving success requires collaboration with the private sector, which is why I am here representing President Mwinyi at this marathon organised by TigoZantel,” stated Hemed.

He highlighted that the government, through its Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, along with the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, is committed to fostering a thriving sports environment in Zanzibar, further elevating its status as a sports tourism destination.

With the end of 2024 approaching, Abdulla noted that over 600,300 tourists have already visited Zanzibar, highlighting improvements in attractions and infrastructure.

He remarked on Zanzibar’s vast maritime resources and urged stakeholders to develop various sports, including marathons, swimming and marine races, to enhance Zanzibar’s international profile.

Additionally, he announced plans for a new football field in preparation for the AFCON 2027 tournament and significant renovations of the New Amani Complex and Gombani Stadium in Pemba to meet international standards.

VP Abdulla also encouraged sports enthusiasts and citizens to contribute to national revenue by voluntarily paying taxes and requesting receipts for purchases, which can help address revenue shortfalls.

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Zanzibar’s Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, expressed gratitude to Tigo-Zantel for utilising the historic Old Fort area of Stone Town as the starting and finishing point for the marathon, thus promoting both heritage and tourism.

“Hosting this marathon allows participants from various countries to compete and explore Zanzibar’s many attractions,” he noted.

Hassan Mussa, Chairman of the Tigo-Zantel Zanzibar International Marathon, thanked President Mwinyi’s administration for improving sports infrastructure, including athlete-friendly roads and plans for new sports facilities.

He reaffirmed Tigo-Zantel’s commitment to supporting government efforts to establish Zanzibar as a leading sports and tourism hub in the region.