ZCT launches bonanza to boost tourism in Pemba
What you need to know:
- The bonanza will increase the number of tourists visiting Pemba, the famously known island for its beautiful, clean beaches and scents of cloves and other spices.
Dar es Salaam. In efforts to transform Pemba Island into a tourism hub, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) has launched a bonanza aimed at attracting both tourists and investors.
As he officially opened the bonanza on Wednesday, November 29, ZCT’s board chairman, Mr Rahim Bhaloo, said the goal was to promote Pemba's rare tourist attractions, including sports.
The event dubbed ‘Pemba Tourisport and Cultural Bonanza’ kicked off on November 28 and will run until December 3, 2023. This marks the fifth consecutive occurrence of the bonanza.
"We have hosted this bonanza to promote sport tourism, heritage, and cultural richness of the Pemba Island while also showcasing Pemba's rich history, which provides a good scene for sports, tourism, and culture," said Mr Bhaloo.
The ZCT Executive Secretary, Ms Hafsa Mbamba, said apart from promoting sports tourism, the bonanza also aims to promote the economy of Pemba, which largely depends on tourism.
“The bonanza aims to improve the island of Pemba by integrating its culture, sports, heritage and natural attractions, and since tourism contributes significantly to Zanzibar's economy, it represents a way to stimulate, strengthen, and promote the economic opportunities of Pemba," she said.
She added that the tourism sector contributes significantly to Zanzibar's national income, accounting for 29.2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
The bonanza, according to Ms Hafsa, will increase the number of tourists visiting Pemba, the famously known island for its beautiful, clean beaches and scents of cloves and other spices.
The games up for competition include the Ngalawa race, showcasing traditional foods, the donkey parade, cycling, running, and swimming, among others.
