Mwinyi: Tourism to anchor Z’bar’s economy

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning tourism as the leading source of national income and a key driver of economic growth to improve citizens’ welfare.

Speaking during the official opening of the second Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Expo at Nyamanzi Grounds in Unguja West B District, Dr Mwinyi noted the eighth phase government’s focus on constructing and strengthening infrastructure to support the sector’s growth with greater ease and efficiency.

He outlined ongoing developments in road networks, seaports and airports across Unguja and Pemba, including the expansion of Terminal Two at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, construction of a new airport in Pemba, development of marine tourism ports and improved urban and rural road infrastructure.

“This gathering symbolises our ambition to make Zanzibar a premier destination for high-end tourism, attracting serious investors and visitors worldwide. The revenue generated funds the infrastructure you see today,” Dr Mwinyi said.

He described tourism as the backbone of Zanzibar’s economy and a vital link connecting the islands to the world.

“Tourism contributes 30 per cent of our GDP. It provides livelihoods, promotes our culture and hospitality, empowers women and youth, raises living standards and supports inclusive development,” he explained.

Dr Mwinyi called on all stakeholders to safeguard the tourism sector as “the apple of the eye” by identifying and addressing factors that could undermine service quality.

He also stressed the need for sustainable, impactful tourism aligned with the blue economy agenda, creating abundant job opportunities and positioning Zanzibar as a sought-after destination.

Earlier, Minister for Tourism and Heritage Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga expressed hope that the expo and similar events would boost annual tourist arrivals.

He envisioned future expos transitioning from governmentled to privately organised events held in open spaces rather than conference halls.

“Tourism brings people from diverse regions and countries together. Moving forward, we want expos and festivals in open areas, not indoors with long speeches,” he said.

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“Zanzibar is open not only to tourism but also to transformation. We are ready and growing, committed to progress alongside our partners, people and pride. We must build for today and future generations,” he added.

Zanzibar Tourism Commission Executive Secretary Arif Abass Manji described the event as a celebration of the islands’ natural and cultural heritage and a platform for dialogue, innovation and development among local and international stakeholders committed to sustainable tourism and investment.

He noted strong participation, with over 90 sectors represented, including hospitality, real estate, transport, innovation and investment promotion.

Manji said attendance by 57 international buyers from countries such as Greece, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Kenya, the United States, Mauritania, India, Uganda, South Africa and Dubai, reflecting Zanzibar’s growing global tourism and trade profile.

Beyond product exhibitions, the event focused on capacity building and knowledge exchange in digital marketing, natural heritage, Zanzibar’s forests’ value, investing in cultural assets and environmental conservation including waste management.

Presenting 2024 tourism statistics, Manji revealed Zanzibar received a record 736,755 international visitors, a 15.4 per cent increase from 638,498 in 2023.

European tourists led the market, with Italy at 11.8 per cent, followed by Germany (9.7 per cent), France (9.4 per cent) and Poland (7.0 per cent), signalling positive growth for Zanzibar’s tourism sector.

Chairperson of the Expo Organising Committee, Javed Jafferji described the platform as key to realising Zanzibar’s vision as a major hub for tourism, business and investment in Tanzania and Africa.

“As we prepare for the next edition, this event continues to grow and thrive. We thank everyone for their enthusiasm, dedication and trust. Our collective strength has brought us this far,” he said.

Jafferji also praised President Mwinyi for his unwavering vision in creating a favourable investment climate aimed at building a strong, inclusive and sustainable economy.