The Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) is non-governmental, non-religious, and non-political organization. The Tourism industry is, at present, the most important sector of the Zanzibar economy in terms of foreign exchange earnings, and has many direct and indirect economic linkages throughout Zanzibar society. This association has been established to represent the interests of all tourism investors in Zanzibar. The aim is to ensure a sustainable and professional tourism industry of the highest standard, working with government institution to achieve this. The Association is very important in creating and implementing the ‘Public and Private Sector Partnership’ in order to succeed in the common goals of Zanzibar being a favorable tourist destination.

Membership is open to those people who are engaged in the tourism sector, who are holders of valid business licenses issued by recognized government institutions, as well as registered with TRA (Tanzania Revenue Authority) and ZRB (Zanzibar Revenue Board). Members will be admitted upon fulfillment of the conditions and on acceptance of the terms of the Constitution. Members of the Association have the right to vote, and to be voted for, in any election of the Association; to receive all services offered by the Association; to be assisted in solving business issues; to lodge disputes or conflicts for help with resolution and settlement; and to have access to business information and various relevant reports and research findings.

Members’ subscription, fees and charges on various services rendered by the Association, donations, grants, return from investments, loans and the others sources approved by the Governing Council.

FOCUS ON... Illegal dynamite fi shing in Pemba

Other natural resources that need careful management, particularly in Pemba, are the coral reef ecosystems that are at risk from illegal dynamite fi shing along the coastline of Tanzania. Whilst this practice has decreased, more efforts are required to educate people about the effects of using dynamite on the marine ecosystems, and the impact on sustainable tourism and the fi sheries industries.

The Government’s Fisheries and Marine Resources Department has a programme in place to educate local communities and enforce the waters using patrol boats, while working in partnership with the mainland authorities to reduce the amount of damage that is done to the seas around Pemba. ZATI Members are actively supporting the preservation of the Pemba marine ecosystems.

Below you will find some of the issues ZATI consider to be important in building a successful tourism industry, and where a strong public-private partnership can be the most fruitful.

The Importance of Partnership
Effective partnership working is about common interest, mutual trust, respect and active participation to develop a shared vision and agenda that all can buy into. ZATI are supportive of the Government’s initiative of a public- private partnership; a closer collaboration now, between the Government and private sector, would prepare Zanzibar well for a more competitive future.

Natural Resources
Preserving natural resources means taking action now to ensure that precious supplies do not run out, and our environment is well-managed and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Water is probably the most important issue when it comes to serving the needs of both the local community and the tourism industry. Most hotel developments have their own bore holes tapping into large natural cisterns. These naturally occurring and replenishing supplies have sustained a local population for many years. However, the increased demand needed to support the tourist industry – swimming pools, gardens, showers and baths, laundry, catering – means that the supply is seriously stressed. Whilst the private sector can top-up by bringing water in by road, this is an option beyond the pocket of many local people.

Another option is the possibility of desalination, i.e. processing sea water into drinking water. The technology has greatly improved in this fi eld and the costs have come down. ZATI encourages the Government to consider supporting the development of more sustainable water initiatives, for example through securing a grant to build a desalination plant that investors can connect to, especially
in areas where tourism is heavily invested in.

Collecting rainwater is another alternative. Small hotels in Nungwi, Bwejuu and Paje in particular could benefi t from assistance and advice from the Government on how this can be done safely and effectively to boost supplies for gardens or laundry for example. Exploring alternative and more sustainable ways of using natural resources is a must if we want tourism to develop in harmony with the environment.

Informing Local Attitudes to Tourism
Sometimes, local people are reluctant to engage with the tourism industry. International tourism and the behaviour it can sometimes bring, particularly at the low end, is seen to attack locally held moral and religious values.

ZATI would like to see ‘tourism’ introduced as a subject in the school curriculum so that young people develop a better understanding of the industry and what role they can play. It is important to understand why tourists come to Zanzibar, what they enjoy, what might make them uncomfortable, and why it is important to care. Incorporating tourism into the curriculum would also offer an opportunity to highlight how tourism can benefit Zanzibar.

Preparing a Local Workforce
Top-end hotels are expected to provide the best professional quality service. That is their business and that is how they make their money. It means they expect staff to be trained to the highest standard, and to have relevant experience before being put into positions of responsibility. They require staff to be punctual, reliable and effi cient with a good grasp of international expectations, in particular timeliness. The private sector is entitled to hire or promote the best people forthe job and this is usually determined by merit rather than origin, ethnicity, religion or gender.

Zanzibaris are known to be hospitable people, as the former President of the Republic of Tanzania Hon Ali Hassan Mwinyi, once said “Zanzibar ni njema, mtakae na aje” (“Zanzibar is a peaceful and beautiful place, all are welcome”) Nevertheless, whilst many Zanzibaris have supported the tourism industry with the decline of the clove trade, they often lack the knowledge about the industry to progress within it. For Zanzibaris to compete for professional jobs in the sector we must see some improvements in the training opportunities available. The Zanzibar Hotel and Tourism Institute at Maruhubi was established 15 years ago, though its capacity is small at around 100 students per year. However, the proportion of these from Zanzibar has increased signifi cantly to 90%, and of these, nearly all are found jobs within the Isles.

Zanzibaris are known to be hospitable people, as the former President of the Republic of Tanzania Hon Ali Hassan Mwinyi, once said “Zanzibar ni njema, mtakae na aje” (“Zanzibar is a peaceful and beautiful place, all are welcome”). Nevertheless, whilst many Zanzibaris have supported the tourism industry with the decline of the clove trade, they often lack the knowledge about the industry to progress within it. For Zanzibaris to compete for professional jobs in the sector we must see some improvements in the training opportunities available. The Zanzibar Hotel and Tourism Institute at Maruhubi was established 15 years ago, though its capacity is small at around 100 students per year. However, the proportion of these from Zanzibar has increased signifi cantly to 90%, and of these, nearly all are found jobs within the Isles.

Cultural Tourism

Tourism is about travelling for some purpose other than business, either to indulge in the familiar or for new experiences. In cultural tourism visitors are attracted, fascinated and intrigued in what the locals regard as ordinary: traditions, beliefs, language, social structures, arts, crafts, cuisine and music. Cultural tourism attracts visitors who are keen to fi nd out more, to explore and hopefully to discover a richness in the diversities of other peoples’ lives.

Cultural Tourism Tourism is about travelling for some purpose other than business, either to indulge in the familiar or for new experiences. In cultural tourism visitors are attracted, fascinated and intrigued in what the locals regard as ordinary: traditions, beliefs, language, social structures, arts, crafts, cuisine and music. Cultural tourism attracts visitors who are keen to fi nd out more, to explore and hopefully to discover a richness in the diversities of other peoples’ lives.

After the breathtaking beaches, exotic spice tours and its historical heritage, Zanzibar can also offer a fascinating cultural experience. The people of the isles represent a rich diversity as history has collected infl uences, ideas and ancestors from around the Indian Ocean and beyond. Many have their roots in mainland Africa, Oman (and elsewhere in Middle East), and the Indian subcontinent.

Whilst the visitors’ interests are doubtless genuine and respectful we need to look at ways that this field of tourism can be developed without becoming intrusive. This could be by supporting high-profi le festivals or by organised trips (similar to spice tours).

The Sauti za Busara music festival (each February) is an excellent example of an event designed to develop, in both locals and visitors, an appreciation of the richness and diversity of music from the region. It shows there is a beauty in our traditional music and potential income in sustaining it. Similarly, the Zanzibar International Film Festival (July) celebrates and showcases arts and talents from Zanzibar and the surrounding region. This year the Festival theme ‘Celebration: Of Waters and Dreams’ proposes to harness many cultural aspects in celebrating the ways of thinking and communicating about cultures and waters.

Returning Tourists
ZATI are concerned that the proportion of tourists returning to Zanzibar is very small and want to understand the factors discouraging repeat business. It may appear that the international marketing is fine, but tourists’ experiences have not lived up to expectations and there follows dissatisfaction and isappointment. For example:

Stone Town has been cited as a ‘must-see’ by many holiday reviewers. The fact that it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is just one of the many reasons tourists come to the town. But Stone Town is also where people live; where people need water and leave rubbish, and where people need to earn a living. As a result it is showing some signs of neglect. This may add to its charm, but renovation, litter, hygiene, and street hawkers are all issues that need to be addressed.

ZATI took the initiative of organising a one-day clean-up of Stone Town, ‘Ondoa Taka Taka’ but we need more than this to make a difference in the long term. We need to see a comprehensive restoration and preservation programme. This is perhaps one area in particular where a strong public-private partnership can make a considerable impact.

Becoming a Quality Destination
ZATI believes the future of the tourism industry is in confi rming Zanzibar as a quality destination, principally catering for the highend market. The Government could introduce the international system of classifying hotels, and it is important to have regulations and standards relating to hygiene and safety – for example food stalls, mini-buses, and inshore boat trips. Zanzibar should not wait for a tragedy before tightening- up in these areas.