News
ZATI Presents on Waste Management
ZATI Presents on Waste Management – From the Investors’ Perspective in Zanzibar
For ACRA / Changamoto / Zanrec / Department of Environment
Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry and studies predict its increasing growth, in spite of short term global economic fluctuations. As the largest business sector in world economy, tourism employs more than 238,277 million people (2008), 8.4% of the total employment and is expected to grow by 9.2 % to create 296,252 million jobs in 2009. By 2018 it will generate one job in every 11 jobs. Tourism generates over US$ 2 billion every day in economic activity, over 1.2 billion internet users, and over 2 billion devices.
It accounts for one in every 12 jobs worldwide. Thus it is an important industry of many countries in terms of job creation, poverty alleviation, and foreign exchange earnings as well as in the management of many cultural sites and natural areas (UNWTO report 2007).
Tourism is a growing worldwide industry; according to UNWTO (2010) the international tourism receipts are estimated to have reached US$ 919 billion worldwide (693 billion Euros),
It is also a significant source of income for Zanzibar. It is the largest source of foreign exchange, generating export earnings of about $USD 1.35 bn in Tanzania. It is a source of quality jobs for Tanzanians (and Zanzibaris) and has strong and numerous linkages to the rest of the economy providing opportunities for other sectors.
It also adds to poor communities over 200 million per year in employment and purchasing of goods and services, according to a Value Chain Analysis using a pro-poor index and performed in Zanzibar in 2009.
Tourism investors are stewards of natural beauty who promote and protect cultural heritage. They also:
Create jobs for Zanzibar people, Develop the human resource base, Provide capital across the industry (not just hotels), Protect and conserving natural attractions, Preserve and celebrating Zanzibar’s unique culture, Contribute substantially to the tax base, and Contribute to poverty alleviation by working with local communities.
ZATI asks of its tourism investor members that they offer a quality tourism product in their field of expertise, uphold high standards of business ethics, respect the customs of Zanzibar, follow all labour, fiscal and environmental regulation, and where possible actively buy locally and employ locally by encouraging projects that involve or benefit their local community.
132,836 was the number of arrivals in 2010, after starting to recover from the economic crisis. By 2012 were back to 172,000. We should add at least 20% for unregistered visas, and another several thousand for the Tanzania mainland tourists who come to Zanzibar after a safari.
We could estimate that we get about a quarter of a million tourists in Zanzibar per year.
An Exit survey performed on departure from Zanzibar show that the waste collection weaknesses of Zanzibar are noticed by tourists,
2009 survey – Visitors make comments about their holiday complained that they did not like the dirty beaches and villages, and they thought town needs to be cleaned up. In the 2010 survey waste collection, or lack of, was also a top 3 source on complaint.
Hotelier interviews carried out in March 2013 tell us that “The Greatest Value for us is to keep the islands clean”, “Guests complain about waste on the beach and village”, “The waste issue needs political decisions. It all comes down to leadership”, “The waste problem is affecting business across the whole island.”
The investors went on to say “Water and electricity are issues, but the biggest issue is waste”, “The waste issue on the island is a management / leadership one”, “The Government needs to take charge.”, “Zanzibar is a paradise. So it is most important to have a clean island”
How can the private Sector assist with this issue?
Increasingly marketing destination is certifying their tourism products so that they confirm to today’s acceptable responsibility norms. The tourism industry has started to see the need to regulate its growth and impact. Voluntary regulation is market driven – tourists increasingly want to visit countries and hotels where there is attention paid the overall impact on the natural and available resources.
There were early discussions within groups of how to go about this – GSTC, TIES, Ecotourism Kenya, etc. Then Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ) defined a set of criteria to assist hotels to understand how to operate more sustainably.
The brought about the birth of RTTZ. “WE DO NOT INHERIT THE EARTH FROM OUR PARENTS – WE BORROW IT FROM OUR CHILDREN”. www.rttz.org
The mission if Responsible tourism Tanzania is -
“Responsible Tourism Tanzania will encourage our tourism industry in Tanzania to become economically sustainable, to care for our cultures, to provide a positive social impression and to nurture our natural environment.”
There are four thematic areas – are
1. Sustainable Business
2. Social Economic
3. Cultural Heritage
4. Environmental
Sustainable Business is workplace practices, H&S, etc. – Focus on the robustness and efficiency
The others are widely used in other such schemes around the world.
Within these four areas, there are four levels of certification – based on the growth of a baobab tree, the symbol for RTTZ:
- Seed
- Sapling
- Tree
- Flower
- Seed – Starting point. Understanding – adoption of policies in the 4 thematic areas
- Sapling – Growing. Active participation in these areas
- Tree – Mature. Practices are embedded into the business
- Flower – Pollination. The business is an ambassador, encouraging others.
The organization’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy should include supporting and contributing towards biodiversity or ecosystem research and conservation initiatives. It should also demonstrate financial and /or in kind support to at least 1 significant nature conservation project.
Hotels must support sustainable collection and management of waste. RTTZ provides guidelines on how to reduce the amount of packaging, separate the types of rubbish, and ensure that a responsible collection company is taking the hotel rubbish to a legal place where it is recycled and resold. UNIDO tell us that 85% of waste on the islands is organic, so there is also plenty of opportunity to manufacture compost materials that the hotels could purchase back to add to their landscaping.
In terms of the long term problem of waste – There are maximum 250,000 tourists a year to Zanzibar, with an average length of stay 4 days. That equals to approx 1,000,000 bed nights per year of tourism food and drink consumption.
Conversely, there are 1,000,000 people living in Zanzibar, 365 days per year. Tourism is only therefore 1/365th of the problem. Even taking into account the difference in consumption per person – tourists use more plastic, tin and glass for example – and assuming that only half the population of Zanzibar actually creates any waste at all, tourism still contributes less than 10% of the whole amount of waste in Zanzibar.
Thus tourism can assist with the correct management of waste by setting an example and encouraging small enterprises to be set up to remove and deal with hotels and restaurant waste, but the problem must be dealt with on a much larger scale, island-wide, if there is to be any impact on the overall solid waste situation.
A suggestion is that in Stone Town and Urban West, there is effort from Manispaa / Mayor to remove all waste collection point (for example behind the old fort) and have waste taken to a designated area outside of town and out of site, where is separated, recycled and reused. In the rural areas, there could be more effort from Hotels + Communities, based on the RTTZ guidelines.
The only way the situation will be solved in the long term is by -
An island-wide education Campaign, Good governance – responsibility of private and public sectors, and communities, and a good management System in Place – collection means, separation areas, recycling purchasers, transport down the value chain.
The vision of tourism in Zanzibar is to be a growing up-market Tourism Economy that create jobs, alleviates poverty, protects the environment and preserve Zanzibar Culture. We have to present quality tourism products and services, increasing visitor’s experiences while ensuring long-term sustainability.
ZATI Presents on Sustainable Seafood and Tourism in Zanzibar
ZATI Presents on Sustainable Seafood and Tourism in Zanzibar, at the MSC, Marine Stewardship Council and WIOMSA, Western Indian Ocean Marine SA Workshop.
Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry and studies predict its increasing growth, in spite of short term global economic fluctuations. As the largest business sector in world economy, tourism employs more than 238,277 million people (2008), 8.4% of the total employment and is expected to grow by 9.2 % to create 296,252 million jobs in 2009. By 2018 it will generate one job in every 11 jobs.
Tourism generates over US$ 2 billion every day in economic activity, over 1.2 billion internet users, and over 2 billion devices. It accounts for one in every 12 jobs worldwide. Thus it is an important industry of many countries in terms of job creation, poverty alleviation, and foreign exchange earnings as well as in the management of many cultural sites and natural areas (UNWTO report 2007).
Tourism is a growing worldwide industry, according to UNWTO (2010) the international tourism receipts are estimated to have reached US$ 919 billion worldwide (693 billion Euros), it is also a Significant source of income for Zanzibar. It is the largest source of foreign exchange, generating export earnings of about $USD 1.35 bn in Tanzania. It is a source of quality jobs for Tanzanians (and Zanzibaris) and has strong and numerous linkages to the rest of the economy providing opportunities for other sectors.
Tourism investors are stewards of natural beauty who promote and protect cultural heritage. They also:
• Create jobs for Zanzibar people
• Develop the human resource base
• Provide capital across the industry (not just hotels)
• Protect and conserving natural attractions
• Preserve and celebrating Zanzibar’s unique culture
• Contribute substantially to the tax base
• Contribute to poverty alleviation by working with local communities
ZATI asks of its tourism investor members that they offer a quality tourism product in their field of expertise, uphold high standards of business ethics, respect the customs of Zanzibar, follow all labour, fiscal and environmental regulation, and where possible actively buy locally and employ locally by encouraging projects that involve or benefit their local community.
132,836 was the number of arrivals in 2010, after starting to recover from the economic crisis. By 2012 were were back to 172,000. We should add at least 20% for unregistered visas, and another several thousand for the Tanzania mainland tourists who come to Zanzibar after a safari.
We could estimate that we get about a quarter of a million tourists in Zanzibar per year.
But that it is not enough to just count numbers. Resources are finite. How can we be sure that our investors and our tourists are operating in a sustainable manner?
Increasingly marketing destination are certifying their tourism products so that they confirm to today’s acceptable responsibility norms. The tourism industry has started to see the need to regulate its growth and impact. Voluntary regulation is market driven – tourists increasingly want to visit countries and hotels where there is attention paid the to overall impact on the natural and available resources.
There were early discussion within groups of how to go about this – GSTC, TIES, Eco-tourism Kenya, etc. Then Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ) defined a set of criteria to assist hotels to understand how to operate more sustainable.The brought about the birth of RTTZ. “WE DO NOT INHERIT THE EARTH FROM OUR PARENTS – WE BORROW IT FROM OUR CHILDREN”. www.rttz.org
The mission if Responsible tourism Tanzania is -
“Responsible Tourism Tanzania will encourage our tourism industry in Tanzania to become economically sustainable, to care for our cultures, to provide a positive social impression and to nurture our natural environment.”
There are four thematic areas – are
1. Sustainable Business
2. Social Economic
3. Cultural Heritage
4. Environmental
Sustainable Business is workplace practices, H&S, etc. – Focus on the robustness and efficiency
The others are widely used in other such schemes around the world.
Within these four areas, there are four levels of certification – based on the growth of a baobab tree, the symbol for RTTZ:
1.Seed
2.Sapling
3.Tree
4.Flower
Seed – Starting point. Understanding – adoption of policies in the 4 thematic areas
Sapling – Growing. Active participation in these areas
Tree – Mature. Practices are embedded into the business
Flower – Pollination. The business is an ambassador, encouraging others.
The organisation’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy should include supporting and contributing towards biodiversity or ecosystem research and conservation initiatives. It should also demonstrate financial and /or in kind support to at least 1 significant nature conservation project.
Hotels must support sustainable harvesting and consumption of biodiversity in fisheries. At the very least, they can inform their suppliers of fish to keep within strict ground rules: For example – they could insist that hotels and restaurants only buy certain species – avoiding reef fish, endangered fish, avoiding lobster or other seafood carrying eggs, and reject any undersized – measuring against guidelines of optimum fish length for all local fish species conforming to the first two points above.
In terms of the long term sustainability of fisheries – There are maximum 250,000 tourists a year to Zanzibar, with an average length of stay 4 days. That equals to approx 1,000,000 bed nights per year of tourism fish consumption.
Conversely, there are 1,000,000 people living in Zanzibar, 365 days per year. Tourism is only therefore 1/365th of the problem.
Even taking into account the difference in consumption per person, tourists eat different fish, hotels like large fish to fillet, not small species– and certainly not sting rays and small colourful reef fish. Even if only half the population eat only half the amount of fish per day as a tourist might, this is still the largest consumer sector.
Thus tourism can contribute to sustainability by setting an example, but unsustainable fishing will still occur, and by-catch can still be sold and eaten by the non-tourist market. So this problem has to be dealt with at source – ie with the fishers themselves.
A suggested solution is that Marine Stewardship Council + Responsible Tourism Tanzania can work together to ensure that the correct guidelines for sustainable fisheries are present and embedded into RTTZ. But crucially, there will be no impact unless there are also the following measures -
- Better managed Marine Protected Areas
- More no-take zones in fishing areas
- Local fish farming
PLUS Encouragement of alternative sources of protein in Zanzibar – beef or chicken farming.
The good news is – This is also reflected in the official Government Tourism policy.
VISION
A growing up market Tourism Economy that create jobs, alleviates poverty, protects the environment and preserve Zanzibar Culture.
MISSION
To become the top destination of the Indian Ocean region, offering high quality tourism products and services, increasing visitor’s experiences while ensuring long-term sustainability.
ZATI visits world’s largest tourism convention – ITB Berlin!
ZATI Chairman, Abdulsamad Saiid, is busy representing ZATI and its members at the world’s largest tourism convention – ITB Berlin – alongside some of our members and our sister organistation ZATO. ZATI brochures are on display to help promote Zanzibar, ZATI and its members.
ITB Berlin provides unique opportunities to benefit from the leading think tank of the global tourism industry. All levels of the value added chain are present: Tour operators, booking engines, destinations, airlines, and hotels right through to car rental companies.
With more than 170,000 visitors, among these 113,000 trade visitors, and 11,000 represented companies from 180 countries ITB Berlin is the leading B2B-Platform of all tourism industry offers.
Travel & Tourism accounts for 258 million jobs globally. At US$6 trillion (9.1% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth and at a global level. It is larger than the automotive industry at 8% GDP, and just smaller than banking at 11%.
Tourism in Zanzibar is a significant source of foreign income estimated at around $250,000,000 for 2012 and represents 40% of the annual budget of Zanzibar.
The fair runs from 6 – 10 March.
ZATI Meets with The President
ZATI Meets with President of Zanzibar
Last week Board members of ZATI were invited to the State House for dialogue with HE President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein.
The meeting was held on Thursday 21st at a two hour session. Present at the meeting were also representatives from ZATI sister organization Zanzibar Association of Tourism Operators, plus the Chief Secretary of State. There was a further meeting with the Minister of Tourism in the afternoon where more detail was discussed.
The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that tourism as a subject is high on the agenda at the highest level of the government of Zanzibar. The President confirmed that tourism is the most important contributor to the economy of Zanzibar.
Subjects that were discussed included –
- Improved security and policing around the island for a safe Zanzibar for all.
- The airport renovations and the new runway which is now the longest in East Africa.
- Bridging the current skills gap by combining the tourism training facility with those of the State University of Zanzibar.
- Utilities – An update on the current infrastructure improvements to both water and power which is being assisted by the African Development Bank and other development organisations, will result in a better service for tourism in the future. New solutions are being sought to improve water supplies to Stone Town which are undergoing structural improvements in order to provide for the growing tourism industry.
- The Commission for Tourism have recently been revived by amendments to the Tourism Act and will be moving to new premises at the Old Fort in town in order to have a higher profile and to better serve the tourism industry.
ZATI has in the meantime produced a paper to be presented at the next Cabinet meeting outlining issues for attention, and the Ministry of Tourism will be seeking possible solutions to these matters.
His Excellency requested ZATI Board members to return to State House to continue this dialogue in one month’s time, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting the tourism private sector.
Zanzibar is enjoying a strong tourism season so far this year. This is due to many direct arrivals during the successful annual African music festival last week “Sauti za Busara” – (“The Friendliest Festival on the Planet”) and the safari tourists who are visiting the island from the mainland of Tanzania after experiencing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.
=====================================================
The Ministry Of Tourism has in their press statement of 22nd February pointed out the following:
“Tourism has become a major driver of the Zanzibar economy, and the development of the Zanzibar economy and living standards (in terms of Growth Domestic Product per head) will continue to be heavily dependent on the performance of the tourism sector.
“Tourism has outperformed all other sectors by a large margin. Over the ten years period
2002 to 2012, tourism achieved an average growth rate of 6.8% yearly. As a result,
tourism has increased its share of Growth Domestic Product (GDP) from single digit in
2004 to just over 27% in 2012.
“We believe that this growth is a good start towards an evolutionary process of making
Zanzibar a point of tourism excellence and maintaining its position of global
competitiveness in tourism..
“.. It is the policy of the government to ensure the safety and security of tourists in the
country. The security mechanisms for foreigners and domestic tourists visiting,
working or temporarily residing in Zanzibar are in place..”
Zanzibar’s attraction as a tourism destination contributes to the increase of socio-economic benefits which can be derived from tourism.
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ZATI,
February 2013.
The Friendliest Festival on the Planet – In Zanzibar!
ZATI is proud to celebrate the Zanzibar music festival “African Music Under African Skies” – SAUTI ZA BUSARA – or in English, SOUNDS OF WISDOM.
The tenth successful music festival in Zanzibar took place in mid February this year to record crowds and acclaim as “The friendliest Festival on the Planet”.
Boosting tourism in February every year, the festival brings increases income to hotels, tour operators, street vendors, souvenir sellers restaurants and many other local businesses in Zanzibar every year.
When Sauti za Busara started in 2004, the goal was to stage a music festival with mostly Tanzanian artists for Tanzanian audiences. However, a decade on, it has morphed into an international festival that attracts a global audience with thousands of revelers annually. Firmly placed as one of the highlights on the African cultural calendar, it clearly has staying power. So why are some critics claiming it has become a victim of its own success?
Thapelo Mokhathi, a mineral explorer and an avid traveler who has visited over 20 African countries, counts Tanzania among his favourite countries with Zanzibar being his absolute favourite place on the continent. He has attended some of the continent’s biggest music festivals, including Bush Fire Festival (Swaziland), Lake of Stars (Malawi) and Festival au Desert (Mali), but there is one that has eluded him - Sauti za Busara - and this year, the festival’s 10th anniversary, he finally gets to make good on his promise to himself to be there, instead of just hearing about it. The attraction, the festival’s location – Zanzibar – and the strong emphasis on music by local Africans artists for African and international audiences are two factors he believes to be the strength of the festival.
Sauti za Busara, which translates as “Sounds of Wisdom”, is unofficially known as the friendliest festival on the planet. Held each year at Stone Town, Zanzibar, which is known for its tropical beaches, gleaming, crystal waters and clear blue skies, it is the biggest music festival in East Africa. According to Yusuf Mahmoud, festival founder and director, their “vision was to provide a platform for showcasing the wealth and diversity of African music, with the main focus of building appreciation for traditional and contemporary music from the East African region. Through the power of music we show the world Africa is positive, Africa is peaceful, Africa is rich in culture and humanity.”
Today, Sauti za Busara serves as a platform for diverse, home-grown and continental musicians to express their creativity before an inclusive audience – bringing people from different backgrounds together to be entertained and inspired. According to Frederica Boswell, a journalist and producer with National Public Radio (NPR) in the US, this is one factor which makes the festival significant on the African festival landscape because “once festival goers enter the old fort, everyone is together – ‘tuko pamoja’ meaning ‘we are together’ is the ethos that guides Yusuf and his team, and I think this makes the festival very special.” Boswell, who is Kenyan, and who once covered the festival as a BBC journalist and would later work in the capacity of press officer with the Busara team, said what piqued her interest was the organisers vision to promote African – and in particular Zanzibari (Tanzanian) – music, and the firm belief in the artistry and beauty of live music which means audiences hear “quality music.”
From its early days at Forodohani Gradens in 2004, where Mahmoud describes the festival’s humble beginnings as “poorly funded, where the stage backdrop looked like a refugee camp,”Sauti za Busara has “evolved, bringing in more international acts while retaining its essential local flavour.” It can count artists like Didier Awadi (Senegalese rapper), Nneka (Nigeria singer/songwriter), Thandiswa (described as one of South Africa’s most influential musicians), Eric Wainaina (Kenyan singer/songwriter) and Bassekou Kouyate (Malian musician) among its diverse musical alumni.
According to Mahmoud, the festival “provides a platform for local people to experience music from other parts of Africa, while introducing East African music to the visitors. In any society, this kind of interchange is vital to the health and development of musical styles. Festivals bring people together in celebration and unity regardless of their political and religious differences. Such opportunities are rare in Zanzibar and these events play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability, building intercultural understanding and respect.” Mahmoud adds that this is a critical factor in the festival’s success and in its ability to keep attracting audiences over the years, contributing to its growth and staying power – the shared experience between visitors and the locals because “local people are more confident in their culture and the fact that it must be special, while international visitors know they are experiencing something authentic and unique.”
His point of view is shared by Cheikh Lô, internationally acclaimed Senegalese’s artist and this year’s headline act. He said: “It’s always a good sign and a reward when an African festival, happening in Africa, arrives at its 10th anniversary. We see celebrations outside our continent, so it’s significant thatSauti za Busara has made 10 editions.” Lô, who will be making his first appearance at the festival, goes on to add: “We Africans have to go forwards with our own festivals, to show our musical and artistic talents to our own people. Many of our talented musicians are playing more outside the continent, at American and European festivals. It’s time to play for our people and show the world we are able to organise big acts in Africa.”
With thanks to Belinda Otas for copy and pictures.
NEW TOURISM ARRIVAL FIGURES FOR ZANZIBAR – 2012
ZANZIBAR END OF YEAR TOURISM ARRIVALS STATISTICS – 2012
END OF YEAR TOURISM ARRIVALS STATISTICS – 2012
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE STATISTICS ARE ONLY FOR THE DIRECT AIR ARRIVALS AND SOME SEAPORT ARRIVALS AND DO NOT INCLUDE THOSE TOURISTS WHO COME TO RELAX IN ZANZIBAR AFTER A SAFARI ON THE TANZANIAN MAINLAND.
WE ESTIMATE THE CORRECT NUMBER COULD BE AS MUCH AS DOUBLE THIS NUMBER AFTER ADDING ARRIVALS FROM MAINLAND TANZANIA.
End of year arrivals statistics from the Air port from overseas flights and from the sea port for 2012 totaled 168,223.
A comparison with 2011 which received 175,067 visitors shows a 6,844 drop last year, affecting the months of July, august, September, November and December, and for the most part attributed to the economic downturn and its effect on southern Europe, particularly the Italian market.
The end of year arrivals statistics from the Airport from overseas flights and from the sea port for 2012 totaled 168,223.
A comparison with 2011 which received 175,067 visitors shows a 6,844 drop last year, affecting the months of July, August, September, November and December, and for the most part attributed to the economic downturn and its effect on southern Europe, particularly the Italian market. Over half our direct arrivals in Zanzibar are from Europe, with 50% of them arriving from Italy.
ZATI Jan 2013
ZATI AGM – 2012
ZATI Annual General Meeting 2012
The Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors Annual General Meeting was held on 6th December 2012 at the Zanzibar Beach Resort. ZATI represents the private sector in tourism and has 110 members on the Zanzibar islands, representing hotels, tour operations, wholesale and retail, and tourism support industries. ZATI is now in its 9th year and there were 75m people present at the meeting covering a good cross-section of the sector.
Invited to the AGM were Dr Ahmada – Chairman of the Commission for Tourism, and three specialist presidential advisors, The Honorourable Issa Ahmed, Abrahman Mwinyi Mbegu and Balozi Ramia. Also present was Saleh Ferouz – Executive Secretary Comission for Tourism and Issa Milingoti, Deputy Principal Secretary Ministry of Tourism.
The Director Julia Bishop opened the meeting with a reminder about global tourism and the importance of tourism in Zanzibar – saying that worldwide, tourism is the world’s fastest growing business accounting for over $920 billion earnings, employing 300,000 million people and accounting for 1 in every 12 jobs world wide. As in Zanzibar, it is an important poverty alleviator and earner of foreign exchange, helping countries to manage resources, cultural sites & natural areas.
In Zanzibar, tourism represents 27% of the GDP, and 80% of the Foreign Direct Income, and accounts for 15,000 direct, 50,000 indirect jobs. There is a diverse range of accommodation and the unique Swahili culture to attract visitors to the islands, in addition to the warm seas, beautiful beaches and sunny weather. A strong tourism industry provides opportunities for other sectors to develop, and brings in approximately 18million annually to Zanzibaris under the poverty line. It attracts investment both domestic and foreign, that can be a steward of natural beauty and promote and protect cultural heritage.
The tourism arrivals figures over the last 25 years show a healthy growth of visitors arriving from overseas, amounting to 180,000 in 2011, and possible double that after accounting for those who arrive from mainland Tanzania after a safari.
She reminded those present that the Government Targets for Tourism are -
To increase the contribution of tourism to the GDP of the country.
- To increase the contribution of foreign earnings into the country.
- To increase visitor arrivals, average length of stay and tourists expenditure.
- To maintain and increase repeat visitors.
- To explore new and emerging markets.
- To increase the quantity and quality of jobs for the indigenous people.
- To increase the multiplier effect of the tourism industry.
- To increase market opportunity of the SME’s.
- To optimize tourism impacts by ensuring the sustainable balance between economic benefits, socio-cultural and environmental costs.
ZATI chairman addressed the floor calling for more public/private co-operation in the tourism industry. He said that the industry has now grown up and matured, but our collective responsibilities are still important – the private and public sectors have to continue to monitor and mentor this industry. ZATI will ensure we work with the Commission for Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism to be very sure that the industry received the support it needs, that we attract the right quantity and quality of investors to Zanzibar, and in turn, the right numbers of tourists with the right attitude for Zanzibar. He added that ZATI will now take its place in the new Commission of Tourism Board, announcing that Mr Seif Miskry will be the newly appointed Commissioner , representing the Private Sector within the Commission for Tourism. Seif has been a ZATI members for 8 years and an Executive Member for 5 years, as the owner manger of Flame Tree Cottages in Nungwi he is a well known figure. His appointment into the Board marks the start of a new era of true Private / Public Partnership.
There followed a number of presentations to ZATI members and invited guests on the subjects of Security, Sea Safety, Marine environment conservation, Recycling of waste and other environmental subjects. The ZATI vice Chairman Bobby McKenna presented on the subject of Destination Marketing of Zanzibar, outlining a strategy and calling for support to focus on key new markets and to continue to protect, enhance and develop the attractions of Zanzibar.
The meeting concluded with a brainstorm about issues that ZATI can help its members with in 2013, and an election to the Board of 3 new members, and other specialist appointments within the organization.
ZATI now looks forward to a successful 2013 and a strong conclusion to its first decade representing the tourism investors in Zanzibar.
UNWTO – The One Billion challenge
One Billion Tourists: One billion Opportunities -
New UNWTO campaign calls on one billion tourists to make their actions count
Small changes in travel behavior can contribute to positive change throughout the world. With one billion tourists traveling the world in a single year in 2012, transforming these one billion tourists into one billion opportunities is at the heart of the online campaign launched by UNWTO to celebrate this historic milestone.
Recalling the power of travel and tourism in driving economic growth and sustainable development, the One Billion Tourists: One Billion Opportunities campaign asks the public to vote for the travel tip they believe would have the greatest benefit for the people and places they visit, from using public transport to buying locally, and pledge to follow that tip when traveling.
“Imagine the difference one tourist could make by adopting small changes, from using their towels for more than one day, to hiring a local guide or buying local products. Now imagine if these simple actions were multiplied by one billion; that is the power of one billion tourists,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, launching the campaign at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London.
“Every single person who has traveled in 2012, whether on holiday or business, is part of the one billion and can make a real difference,” continued Mr. Rifai. “I hope everyone will join our campaign and help us spread the message that one billion tourists really do mean one billion opportunities, for economic growth, job creation and the future of our planet.”
The campaign will culminate on 13 December when the most popular tip will be revealed and sent out to millions via social media. The date, 13 December, has been chosen as the symbolic arrival day of the one-billionth tourist. While it is impossible to know exactly when and where the one-billionth tourist will arrive, UNWTO forecasts point to December. The arrival of the one-billionth tourist will be celebrated by the UNWTO Secretary-General in Spain, home to UNWTO headquarters.
UNWTO is encouraging all countries and the entire tourism sector to spread the word about the campaign by becoming official campaign partners and hosting their own celebrations on 13 December, raising awareness of the important contribution of one billion tourists.
Three ways to get involved:
- Which tip will you commit to on your next trip? Vote nowhttp://1billiontourists.unwto.org/
- Help us share the winning tip with millions. Join our Thunderclap campaign http://1billiontourists.unwto.org/
- Were you one of the one billion tourists to travel internationally in 2012? Send a photo of yourself on your trip to comm@unwto.org or by tweeting @UNWTO with #1billtourists and we’ll upload the best ones in our Faces of the One Billion Facebook album. Don’t forget to include your name, where you’re from and where the picture was taken.
Contacts:
UNWTO Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
Tanzania launches international tourism marketing strategy
Minister for Tourism Hon. Amb. H S Kagasheki unveils a new Strategy to increase Tanzania International Tourism Market Share
In a milestone history of tourism promotion partnerships, the Tanzania Tourist Board has launched an international tourism marketing strategy that will place this African nation on top among the world’s leading tourist destinations.
The Tanzanian Minister for Tourism, Mr. Khamis Kagasheki, unveiled the International Marketing Strategy for Tanzania compiled in a 28-page, full-color document and said joint efforts are needed from public and private stakeholders to implement such a strategy that will see this country attracting two million tourists in the forthcoming five years.
The milestone strategy took 18 months of public and private partnership to compile, involving joint discussions and consultations between both sectors (public and private) in which key stakeholders were involved, the Tanzania Tourist Board’s Managing Director, Dr. Aloyce Nzuki, said. “It is indeed a milestone in the history of the tourism promotion partnership in Tanzania, since the establishment of [the] Tanzania Tourist Board in 1993 and the Tanzania Confederation of Tourism in 2000,” he said. “This strategy will, among other things, develop a distinctive and competitive positioning of Tanzania and will make use of more focused and cutting-edge techniques and approaches to international tourism marketing,” Dr. Nzuki said. He further said the ultimate goal is to enable the tourism sector in Tanzania to contribute effectively towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, specifically poverty eradication. “As we roll out this strategy, we invite all the stakeholders to take ownership and support its implementation,” he added.
Through implementation of this strategy during the forthcoming five years (five year goals), twelve strategic goals will be focused and targeted, all aimed at raising Tanzania’s current position in travel and tourism in the world, from the 90th position to the 75th position.
In market share, the strategy is also looking at increasing Tanzania’s tourism market share in the next five years from the current 11 percent to at least 14 percent of the total number of tourist arrivals in Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana which are key competitors, from the four primary source markets of the United Kingdom (UK), Italy, Germany, and the United States.
The other goal during the period in bracket is to increase the market share of Indian Ocean’s Spice Island of Zanzibar from the current 26 percent to at least 30 percent of the total number of tourist arrivals in this island, to compete with the Seychelles and Mauritius from the above-mentioned source markets of Europe and the United States. Seychelles and Mauritius are the leading tourist destinations in the eastern Indian Ocean, and both have similar products and weather condition almost similar to Zanzibar.
Taking into account that Tanzania stands as one country with two complimentary destinations in the primary and secondary source markets, the target during the years in bracket will be strong marketing of nature, wildlife, beaches, lakes, and mountains as tourist products available in the mainland, while Zanzibar’s products are pristine beaches, turquoise seas, and history for medium- to high-value tourism. The other goal is to develop a distinctive and competitive positioning for this country (Tanzania) as a tourist destination and use of this positioning, consistently and consecutively in all communications.
Tourism Minister Khamis Kagasheki said amid the current economic uncertainty, tourism is one of the few economic sectors in the world growing strongly, driving economic progress in developing and developed nations alike, and most importantly, creating the much needed jobs. He said travel and tourism industry is increasingly becoming more important in the economy of Tanzania, adding, “You will agree with me that Tanzania is a magical place for many reasons, from its natural resources, diverse cultures, to the warmth of its people. “The range of tourism attractions found in our country today by far exceeds anyone’s expectations.”
The minister said that, the increasing competition in tourism markets requires private and public sectors to join efforts to enhance competitiveness in the market place. The opening of new destinations in Europe and Asia, and the technology advancement which gives tourists opportunity of a wider choice of destinations, has increased the level of competition in the sector. “Partnership between the private and public sectors seems to be the remedy to this scenario, and we must continually ask what more we can do together to compete with the best in the world,” the Minister said. “Our destination is beginning to be well positioned and our collaborative efforts are now beginning to pay off.
Over the last ten years, Tanzania registered a growth of 65 percent of international tourist arrivals. In 2011, Tanzania received 867,994 tourists who earned this country US$1.35 billion,” Kagasheki added.
Leveraging on this new marketing strategy and other national initiatives, it is estimated that, the number of tourist arrivals in this country will reach two million by the close of 2017, increasing the revenue from the current US$1.35 billion to about US$2 billion, assuming the existing economic parameters prevail, or even better, improve. “This joint effort should help us to effectively and appropriately manage the complexity of today’s tourism development and marketing challenges. Our joint efforts should also help us to increasingly find innovative ways to penetrate the markets and attract more tourists to visit Tanzania,” Kagasheki remarked.
By Apolinari Tairo, eTN Tanzania | Nov 16, 2012 TANZANIA (eTN) -
Public Private Partnership in Tourism
Meeting with Commission for Tourism – 31-10-12
ZATI held a meeting at the Serena Hotel to welcome the new Director of the Commission for Tourism – who replaces Mr Ali Khalil who has moved to the Ministry of Lands.
The PS of the Ministry of Tourism was present as was also representatives from our sister company ZATO, and several ZATI members.
The new Director Mr Saleh Feruzi was shown a 60 minute presentation by the ZATI Director, which looked at global and local trends in tourism, produced research on tourist behavior and requirements, and asked for public sector support to help to keep the tourism sector growing and healthy.
Three main areas were singled out for special attention from the Government in order to assist the industry –
these were safety and security, the environment, and the taxation systems.
Mr Feruzi said that he hopes for close co-operation and relations with the private sector and he is ready to work with all stakeholders.
ZATI takes its place on the Board of the Commission for Tourism from next year and looks forward to working closely with the Commission to further the interests of tourism investors in Zanzibar.