Zanzibar pushes for eco-friendly tourism amid rising visitor numbers
Unguja. With international arrivals hitting a record 736,755 in 2024—a 15.4 percent jump from 638,498 in 2023—Zanzibar is reinforcing its push for environmentally responsible tourism as it positions itself as a top African destination.
Despite the encouraging growth in tourist numbers, Zanzibar’s government is warning that sustainability must remain core to its tourism development strategy.
Speaking at the opening of the second Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Show held at Nyamanzi Trade Fair Grounds in Unguja on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, emphasised that environmental preservation must accompany tourism growth.
“Conservation is a critical pillar for maintaining Zanzibar’s global appeal,” he said.
“We cannot achieve sustainability without prioritising cleanliness and environmental protection,” he added.
Mr Soraga noted that the government’s strategy seeks to bring together all stakeholders—from the private sector and civil society to academia and international organisations—in a unified approach to address environmental threats such as waste, deforestation, and marine degradation.
“Our natural assets—beaches, forests, and marine biodiversity—are not only magnets for tourists, they are the foundation of our economy,” he said.
“It’s time every individual takes responsibility. We want to keep our islands clean, not just in towns but all tourism zones, including remote areas,” added Mr Soraga.
Despite the upward trend in tourism, Mr Soraga acknowledged existing infrastructure gaps, particularly in accommodation facilities, calling for greater investment in modern hotels and guesthouses to meet rising demand.
“Zanzibar must now position itself to attract large-scale, internationally recognised hotel projects,” he added.
The Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Permanent Secretary, Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, described the expo as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable tourism and enhance Zanzibar’s profile in the global market.
“The progress witnessed stems from focused leadership under President Hussein Ali Mwinyi. Tourism now accounts for roughly one-third of Zanzibar’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product),” said Dr Jumbe.
The expo also earned praise from the private sector, with Zanzibar Tour Guides Association (ZATO) chairman Mr Khalifa Mohammed Makame describing it as a vital platform for operators to share experiences and expand networks.
“The government’s commitment to environmental cleanliness will significantly help preserve our key tourism assets like beaches and forests,” Makame said.
The Zanzibar Tourism Commission Executive Secretary, Arrif Abas Manji, said the event also provided space for open dialogue on industry challenges and opportunities.
He highlighted the participation of 57 international buyers from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, Kenya, the US, and India as a sign of Zanzibar’s growing global relevance.
“This increase in global participation is a clear vote of confidence in Zanzibar’s tourism offering,” he said.
The expo also showcased Zanzibar’s cultural wealth, with Maskat Shineni Abdalla of the local social enterprise Mamas of Zanzibar saying the platform helped promote heritage and small-scale women-led businesses.
The Tanzania Tourist Board Marketing Officer, Mr Nassor Hassan Garamatatu, said the event offered an opportunity to build strategic alliances that could help increase tourist inflows.
“This is a product of sustained promotion by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who have both championed Tanzania’s tourism on the global stage,” said Mr Garamatatu.
He also encouraged Tanzanians to explore domestic tourism, noting that connecting with local attractions would help younger generations better understand the country’s history and natural wealth.
The expo brought together industry stakeholders, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and the public, offering an opportunity to discover diverse tourism products while fostering stronger business linkages.
