Mwinyi backs Z’bar halal tourism drive

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has met with Global Halal Tourism scholar and advocate, Ismail Bullock from Dubai as part of ongoing efforts to position Zanzibar as a leading destination for Muslim-friendly tourism.

The meeting, held at the State House in Stone Town yesterday, was also attended by representatives of the Samia Foundation, who accompanied Bullock on his visit aimed at strengthening awareness and development of Halal tourism in Zanzibar.

President Mwinyi commended Bullock for his significant contribution to promoting Halal tourism globally, describing his work as instrumental in helping countries tap into the rapidly growing Muslim travel market. He reaffirmed the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote tourism aligned with Islamic values and principles.

He said Zanzibar remains eager to learn from international stakeholders through training and awareness programmes, stressing the importance of equipping local tourism players with the knowledge and best practices needed to effectively implement halal tourism standards.

Dr Mwinyi also praised Bullock’s initiative of distributing English-translated copies of the Holy Qur’an, noting that it contributes to a broader understanding of halal tourism and Islamic values among tourism stakeholders. He assured him of the government’s continued cooperation.

For his part, Bullock said his mission is to promote a better understanding and wider adoption of halal tourism worldwide. He noted that the sector is gaining popularity across many countries and revealed that he is currently in Zanzibar conducting training sessions for tourism stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Zanzibar government has reiterated its commitment to expanding tourism markets by catering to diverse visitor needs, including the fast-growing halal tourism segment, as part of efforts to boost competitiveness and increase the sector’s contribution to the economy.

Acting Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga made the remarks during a Halal Tourism Awareness Forum organised by the Samia Foundation in Zanzibar. He said that halal tourism is not intended to replace existing tourism models but rather to complement them by opening up new market opportunities without affecting other visitor segments.

“Our goal is not to transform Zanzibar into a destination for a single group, but to diversify our markets, improve tourism products and ensure visitors with different needs enjoy services comfortably and confidently,” he said.

Mr Soraga noted that the number of Muslim travellers worldwide is increasing rapidly, prompting many countries to introduce services tailored to their needs while continuing to cater for other tourists. He added that features such as family-friendly environments, the availability of Halal food, privacy and respect for cultural values benefit a broad range of tourists regardless of religion.

According to Mr Soraga, Zanzibar holds a unique advantage due to its rich Islamic heritage, longstanding culture of hospitality and internationally recognised tourist attractions, positioning the islands to benefit significantly from this growing market.

ALSO READ: Zanzibar boosts insurance awareness campaign

He also welcomed the establishment of the Halal Tourism Association of Zanzibar (HTAZ), describing it as a positive indication of the private sector’s readiness to explore and develop new economic opportunities.

The association, he said, can serve as a key platform for raising awareness, building stakeholder capacity, strengthening collaboration and supporting businesses interested in serving Muslim travellers. HTAZ Chairperson Biubwa Omar Khamis said the association aims to promote the sustainable development of Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in Zanzibar.

She highlighted Zanzibar’s strong Islamic heritage, historic mosques, culture of hospitality and unique attractions as key assets that could position the islands among Africa’s leading Halal tourism destinations.

The association will focus on increasing awareness, supporting service providers to meet the needs of Muslim travellers, promoting Islamic heritage tourism and strengthening international partnerships.

She added that simple measures such as providing information on prayer facilities, offering Halal food options and ensuring family privacy can significantly enhance comfort for Muslim tourists without disrupting existing tourism business models. Samia Foundation Chairperson, Fatma Issa Kara said halal tourism is intended to complement the broader tourism sector by creating opportunities for people of all faiths to travel freely and comfortably.

“Zanzibar’s unique heritage makes it an attractive destination for visitors seeking value-based tourism rooted in Islamic culture and history. We must work together to fully harness this opportunity,” she said.

Religious leaders also underscored the importance of collaboration between faith-based institutions and the tourism sector in promoting ethical tourism while preserving Zanzibar’s cultural identity.

Sheikh Ismail Bullock, representing the Islamic Information Centre (IIC) in Dubai, delivered a keynote presentation highlighting how hospitality and quality service can bridge cultural differences and support the growth of Muslim-friendly tourism. The forum brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, religious leaders and service providers from across Zanzibar