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Renowned for its stunning beaches and rich Swahili culture, Zanzibar is emerging as a premier destination for sustainable tourism.
In an exclusive discussion with Gulf Business, Mudrick Ramadhan Soragha, the Tourism Minister of Zanzibar, shares insights on the island’s commitment to high-value, low-impact tourism. He elaborates on strategic collaborations with Gulf countries, the increase in visitors from the GCC nations, eco-friendly resorts, cultural preservation efforts, and the development of a new digital airport terminal.
What steps is Zanzibar taking to blend luxury tourism with the preservation of its unique ecosystems and Swahili culture?
Zanzibar’s tourism approach is founded on the idea of “sustainable authenticity.” We acknowledge that while luxury tourism is essential for economic advancement, it must not jeopardize our delicate marine environments or our historic Swahili culture.
We mandate thorough environmental assessments prior to any development activities, promoting sustainable architecture that coexists harmoniously with the island’s natural and cultural landscapes.
Collaboration with UNESCO is crucial for preserving our cultural heritage, ensuring that tourism developments reflect Zanzibar’s distinctive identity.
Furthermore, we prioritize community involvement to ensure developments benefit local residents and encapsulate the spirit of Zanzibari culture.
As various GCC nations invest in luxury beachfront projects and year-round tourism, what lessons can Zanzibar learn from these countries for sustainable beach tourism?
The Gulf’s transformation into a hub for luxury tourism serves as an inspiring model for Zanzibar. We are looking into partnerships with countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain in areas such as hotel investments, cultural collaborations, and eco-friendly infrastructure.
The expertise of Gulf nations in climate-resilient technologies and wellness tourism aligns perfectly with our vision. We are currently in advanced discussions with firms like Qatar’s Retaj Group and other regional investors.
It’s vital that prospective investors focus on incorporating the local community into their projects, ensuring that initiatives benefit the island’s inhabitants. This involves hiring local staff for hospitality roles and sourcing local materials for hotel furnishings and artwork.
Our ambition is to cultivate long-lasting tourism investment pathways between the Gulf and Zanzibar, driven by shared values of sustainability, innovation, and respect for traditions.
Given the rise in travelers from the Middle East to East Africa, how is Zanzibar customizing its tourism offerings for high-value GCC visitors while ensuring authentic experiences?
We are developing a variety of tourism experiences tailored to Gulf visitors, especially families and discerning couples. Offerings include exclusive beachfront villas, halal dining options, and customized cultural tours honoring Zanzibar’s Islamic heritage.
Improvements in flight connectivity and streamlined visa processes for GCC travelers are part of our strategy. Hosting the AVIADEV conference was a proactive step to facilitate more direct flights to our island.
While we enhance our luxury services to meet the expectations of affluent visitors, we remain devoted to preserving Zanzibar’s authentic charm through experiences such as traditional dhow sailing and spice farm tours.
Given the challenges of over-tourism and climate change, what policies or investments is your ministry focusing on to ensure the resilience and sustainability of Zanzibar’s beach tourism?
We recognize that the future of Zanzibar hinges on its ecological sustainability. Our blue economy strategy includes a Marine Spatial Planning initiative, a significant coastal zoning project in partnership with various environmental organizations, aimed at the responsible use of marine resources.
Simultaneously, we are enhancing waste and water management systems in key tourism areas and providing training for local communities in sustainable practices. We are also establishing marine protected areas and spearheading coral reef restoration efforts, specifically around Pemba Island, a critical biodiversity hub.
Our vision emphasizes low-density, high-value tourism. By promoting eco-friendly resorts over mass tourism, we aim to safeguard our environment and cultural identity for the future.
How is Zanzibar utilizing digital technology, eco-certifications, and smart tourism strategies to enhance its global competitiveness?
Zanzibar is embracing digital transformation with the implementation of smart visitor data systems, online licensing, and promotional digital platforms.
Backed by a UK-funded initiative, we are testing eco-certification for hotels and tour operators and encouraging sustainable practices through capacity-building programs for local businesses.
By aligning with global sustainability standards and adopting digital innovations, we aspire to position Zanzibar as a regional leader in responsible tourism.
Can you share statistics regarding visitors from the GCC, particularly from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other significant markets?
The Middle East, particularly the Gulf region, is emerging as a promising source market for Zanzibar. In 2024, we recorded around 11,000 arrivals from the UAE and 9,500 from Saudi Arabia.
Together, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain contributed an additional 6,000 tourists, placing the GCC among our top ten non-African source markets.
Our aim is to double these figures by 2027, supported by strategic airline collaborations, targeted marketing, and customized hospitality services.
Overall, 71.6 percent of arrivals were from Europe, with significant contributions from Italy, Germany, France, and Poland. Visitor numbers from Africa also saw a strong increase, particularly from South Africa and Kenya.
The predominant demographic of travelers (86 percent) consists of Millennials and Gen Z, with an average stay of eight nights, while leisure remains the main reason for 98.3 percent of those visiting the island.
What is the government’s investment strategy for enhancing the tourism sector?
The Zanzibar government is making significant investments to fully harness the potential of its burgeoning tourism sector. Last year, the island welcomed 736,755 international visitors, marking a 15.4 percent increase over 2023, with hotel occupancy rates reaching 79.3 percent during peak periods.
Key initiatives include the construction of a new international terminal at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which has expanded the airport’s capacity to accommodate 1.5 million passengers annually and improve access to the destination.
As tourism contributes over 27 percent to Zanzibar’s GDP and accounts for 80 percent of foreign exchange earnings, we are also launching advanced Tourism Training Institutes to equip the local workforce with skills that meet international hospitality standards.
Moreover, significant investments are being directed towards eco-resorts, wellness centers, and sustainable marinas, along with robust heritage conservation projects aimed at restoring historical sites in Stone Town and beyond.
To enhance traveler safety and strengthen market confidence, we are introducing tourism insurance initiatives and digital service platforms.
All these efforts align with our national goal of establishing a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism economy that emphasizes sustainability and innovation.