Mwinyi pushes festivals as tourism growth catalyst
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has said the government will continue using tourism festivals and special events to diversify and promote the country’s attractions as part of efforts to increase tourist arrivals from the current target of 800,000 to 1.5 million by 2030.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks while officially launching the Kizimkazi Festival in South Unguja Region, an event preceded by a special walk and accompanied by a business exhibition.
He said the festival has continued to grow in popularity since its establishment, attracting participants from Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania and abroad, making it an important platform for showcasing the country’s economic and social opportunities.
Dr Mwinyi said the variety of activities featured during the festival, including dhow races, cultural performances, sports, traditional food exhibitions, music and the launch of development projects, played an important role in preserving Zanzibar’s cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.
He urged residents and other stakeholders to take advantage of business exhibitions held alongside the festival to gain knowledge, acquire new skills and utilise available opportunities to strengthen their businesses.
He also directed authorities in South Unguja Region to continue using the Kizimkazi Festival to promote investment opportunities in land and marine areas, saying the resources should be harnessed to generate greater benefits for citizens and the government.
At the same time, Dr Mwinyi assured investors that the government would continue supporting them and improving the investment environment, particularly in tourism, manufacturing and the Blue Economy sectors.
South Unguja Regional Commissioner Hamida Mussa Khamis said the festival created numerous opportunities for residents.
“The festival has enabled residents to benefit from a range of opportunities, including access to financial services, with financial institutions increasingly bringing their services closer to the people,” she said.
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Ms Khamis urged investors and other stakeholders to take advantage of opportunities available in South Unguja and invest in the region, assuring them that the government and local communities would continue supporting development initiatives.
Earlier, Kizimkazi Festival 2026 Coordinator, Makunduchi Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) and Chairperson of the Mwanamke Initiatives Foundation (MIF), Wanu Hafidh Ameir, said the two governments have continued to take various measures to promote development across the country.
She said MIF was also contributing to efforts to address social challenges, particularly in the health sector, by supporting various community groups, especially women and children.
Ms Ameir thanked Dr Mwinyi for leading the special walk, saying his participation demonstrated his support for efforts to encourage communities to recognise the importance of regular physical exercise in maintaining good health.
This year’s Kizimkazi Festival is being held under the theme: “KIZIMKAZI Kumenoga! Shangwe na Fursa”, celebrating the festival as a platform for joy, culture and opportunity.
