Zanzibar is more than sun, sand and sea

‘Destination Zanzibar’ campaign to promote tourism from Arabian Gulf — In a bid to develop Zanzibar as one of a kind destination on the Indian Ocean, a new promotional drive involving the public and private sector, which also aims at attracting more Arabian Gulf visitors, has been launched to lift up ‘Destination Zanzibar’ “as more than sun, sand and sea”. 

‘Destination Zanzibar’ is a campaign to promote the islands, which will kick off in the Gulf, a region that has not been adequately tapped into in the past. Endorsed by the island’s Ministry of Information, Culture, Tourism and Sports as well as the Zanzibar Commission, the drive was announced at a Tourism Networking Forum held at The Seyyida, a boutique hotel in Stone Town, Zanzibar. 

Supported by the President’s Office, State House and Good Governance, Diaspora Office,   the forum was attended by Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI), the Zanzibar Association Tour Operators (ZATO) and other tourism stakeholders.

Hafsa Mbamba,  founder of Grassroots Traveller,  spearheading ‘Destination Zanzibar’ drive explained that the event offered an opportunity for the local tourism industry from the private and government sectors, to meet with reputable travel stakeholders and related press. “The forum was created to purposely cater for local tourism stakeholders to network and showcase their products and services. 

Destination Zanzibar functions to help businesses thrive in a competitive tourism market by offering strategic trade solutions. “Zanzibar has so much more to offer beyond just the beach – from authentic, off the beaten track to eco-friendly experiences, ‘Destination Zanzibar’ makes visible what the islands have to offer for the visitors to explore! With the recently amended Tourism Policy Act, now focusing on “Tourism for All”, we want to cater for both the host and the visitors.

Zanzibar is globally known as an idyllic beach destination, it is a paradise for the ocean lovers and for those looking to enjoy the tropical weather.

However, Zanzibar is renowned for various other reasons like trade, history, culture and more.” Nell Hamilton, founder of Sustainable East Africa, highlighted how a “Sustainable Zanzibar” is possible and currently in action. She emphasised how her organisation works closely with the private sector and local NGOs to achieve the goal for Sustainable East Africa and how it encourages others to achieve holistic results, building constructive frameworks and empowering those in need of such services. “This forum works as a stepping-stone to penetrate new markets, targeting the Gulf region specifically as our first market. We have chosen this region because it hasn’t been tapped into yet and the market is ideal to promote Zanzibar,” said Mbamba.

Destination Zanzibar’s Tourism Networking Forum attracted some of the island’s front liners in tourism promotion including Chumbe Island, Safari Blue, Jahazi Literary and Jazz Festival, Kawa Training Center, Mtoni Palace Conservation Project. The event was sponsored by The Seyyida Hotel, Zanzibar Unique, tour operating company, ZD Printers, Rahim Saggaf, Creative Design, Maji Tu, exclusive Zanzibar water company and several others who shared their success stories during the forum. ‘Destination Zanzibar’ aims to re-invent Zanzibar and make it a sustainable tourism-friendly destination through events and experiences. “People tend to catch things much quicker through personal experiences. For us to ensure that we have a more holistic industry we must share the piece of the cake with as many stakeholders as possible,” concluded Mbamba.