The Arusha Workshop included stakeholders from priave adn public sectors and ZATI made a presenation on their position on responsible tourism. ZATI's mission statement says that the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors is a community of tourism businesses that aims to be a force for developing responsible and sustainable tourism in Zanzibar. It provides support for its members and works in partnership with the Government to achieve this goal. ZATI will play a role in Zanzibar as a major stakeholder and implementer in the development of the responsible tourism component that has the interest of the investors from the island environment, by providing the hotel/ lodge sector in Zanzibar with the opportunity to participate . ZATI will provide communication with their members; encourage membership participation and advise on the development of standards and criteria. The Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair was attended by ZATI, ZATO and several of the ZATI members. |
ZATI Chairman Simai, Direcot Julia, Chairman Elect Abdulsamad and several members of the Exec Board and the General Council of ZATI all spent Tuesday 18th May at the Zanzibar Business Council Meeting. The ZBC is chaired by HE The President. Many Ministers and PS and Government Officers were also there, plus members of the private sector representing all areas of business in Zanzibar. The main subject of the discussion was the EAC Common Market and what it will mean to Zanzibar business. The Treaty of the EAC came into force in July 2000. It includes Tz, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Objectives of the EAC Common Market are - -To reduce dependency on outside trade -To promote and co-ordinate economic competitiveness -To provide joint action in security -To gain international understanding and practical support The first part of this is the Free Movement of Goods - governed by the Customs Law and is already in force from Jan 2010 - this eliminates customs duties, non-tariff barriers and provides a common external tariff for imports. The next parts are under discussion as to when they will be in force - they include The free movement of persons, labour, services and capital. The implications of this will be that any EAC resident can work anywhere in the private sector within the 5 nations region, be a resident and set up a business, including hotels of 4 star and above. There will be no discrimination on the grounds of nationally. |
ZATI chairman attends the World Economic Forum in Dar Es Salaam. 'Rethinking Africas Growth Strateghy" Building Effective Institutions and Governance What is the state of Africa’s regional bodies –East Africa Community, ECOWAS and SADC – and their role in encouraging effective regional hubs? Should the responsibility for peace and security rest with the Africa Union, individual states or international peacekeeping groups? Is it possible to institutionalize African cooperation into “one voice”for stronger representation at deliberations related to the G20, climate change and trade? • Fostering Sustainable Growth and Development. How can stronger regional cooperation better facilitate intra-Africa trade and infrastructure investment? What entrepreneurshipmodels are fuelling growth while simultaneously addressing social challenges? How can developments in science and IT enable Africa to leap forward in health, education, finance and agri-business? • Managing Risk as Opportunity. What gains can come from rethinking demographic challenges, particularly relating to youth employment, migration and urbanization? What green innovations can lead to new sources of energy and convert the challenges of food security and climate change intoeconomic drivers? How has the crisis highlighted the importance of economic diversification to prevent dependence on one primary export and opened the door to alternate methods of business development? • Fostering an Empowerment Mindset. How can new partnership methods addressing education and health underpin Africa’s future? How to foster and empower women and youth, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship? How can business and government work together to reduce poverty and economic inequality, and ensure that the millennium development goals do not fail? How is a new generation of Africans and returning diaspora rewriting therules for leadership models that will define the roadmap for Africa’s future?The World Economic Forum on Africa is a unique opportunity to bring together government, business and civil society leaders. |
ZATI Attends Indaba Travel and Tourism Fair - May 2010 ZATI Director Julia Bishop attended the Indaba Tourism Fair in South Africa in order to - 1. Interview outgoing operators on their opinions of Zanzibar as a tourism destination 2. Obtain client feedback about Zanzibar's strengths and oportunities 3. Assess Zanzibar's representation as part of the Tanzania stand in the Africa arena 4. Undertake a competitive analysis of other similar destinations in order to understand Zanzibar's position The objective of this exercise was to prepare for the BEST-AC Destination Marketing Project which ZATI will be managing during 2010. More on this subject later... Julia Bishop Director Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors 53, Cine Afrique, Malindi, Stone Town.
Mobile:+255 755 412603
Office: +255 24 2232378 ZATI are members of: |
In February 2009 the Zanziabr Serena Inn once again hosted the ZATI annual dinner party and packed in 160 members and invited guests to the poolside dining area. The ZATI Director Julia Bishop opened the procedings with a warm welcome and handed over to Eleanor Griplas, the Chairperson of the dinner party committee. The other members, Rahim Baloo, Thomas Green, Maryam Olsen, Katia Wellving and Lise Townsend were all thatnked for their hard work. The event was sponsored by KCB Tanzania and Vodacom Zanzibar and the Guest of Honour was HE The British High Commissioner, Diane Corner, who remarked on the important role that tourism has in Tanzania. There were many raffle adn auction rizes to be won as well as a quiz competition on general knowledge of Zanzibar. Many thanks to all members who supported this event and to those companies who sponsored the event, Vodacom and KCB. also to Jason for decor and DJ Eddie and Matona for music. |
| Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) Annual General Meeting 2009 Meeting notes - main items discussed.
Date: Friday 4th December 2009Venue: Zanzibar Beach ResortTime: 1330hrs – 1730hrs Present: ZATI Executive BoardChairman – Simai Mohammed SaidDeputy Chairman – Paolo Chiaro (Renco/La Gemma Dell’Est)Board Member and Treasurer – Eleanor Griplas (Safari Blue)Board Member – Carl Salisbury (ZanAir/ZanTours)Board Member and Executive Secretary – Maryam Olsen (Explore Zanzibar)Board Member – Anthony Chege (Serena Inn) Board Members Absent with Apologies Board Member & Coordinator of Nungwi Peninsula Committee – Nassor Ali (Mnarani Beach Cottages)Board Member – Abdul Samad (Sunset Bungalows)Board Member – Farhat Jah (Swahili Divers/Kervan Saray) ZATI Director – Julia Bishop Approximately 60 members of ZATI Invited guests Larry Andre from the Embassy of the United States of AmericaMr Mussa – Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zanzibar 1 Welcome The meeting was opened by the Director at 1415, who welcomed and thanked everyone for coming and reminded them to renew membership and fill out the forms. She outlined the agenda, pointed out the new ZATI brochure, and asked all present to stand and introduce themselves. 2 Welcome from the Chairman of the Association, Simai Mohammed Said The Chairman added his welcome and thanks, and introduced the Guest of Honour, Mr Larry Andre, the Tanzanian Attaché for the Embassy of the United States. 3. Opening address by Larry Andre Mr Andre thanked the Board for inviting him and acknowledged the importance of tourism in Zanzibar. He said that his new Ambassador had arrived in Tanzania three weeks before and had make it a priority to come to Zanzibar this week, and was in Pemba today. He reiterated the point made in the Ambassador’s speech at his formal welcome the evening before saying that the US and Zanzibar had a long history of friendship, that the US Government has a number of development projects underway in Zanzibar including the fight against malaria and the construction of new roads in Pemba, and that peaceful elections should be a priority over the coming year. Questions were taken from the floor regarding the new submarine cable that the US is providing, regarding the timing of the installation, as members are concerned that there will be 3 years before the extra capacity is made available to the tourism investors, and with the present cable at near maximum capacity there will be a period of instability of supply in the meantime. Mr Andre reported that the project was being requested for proposal according to international guidelines and that whilst it is so far on target he could not promise that the timeline for installation could be shortened in any way at this stage, but that ZATI would be kept informed of progress. 4. “A Year of ZATI” presentation by ZATI Director ZATI Director Julia Bishop took the audience through a slide presentation explaining the current tourism arrival statistics, the monthly activities for ZATI over the last year, the strategic priorities for the association going forward, and the results of the exit survey that was carried out in August. The financial controller and office administrator of ZATI Laize Abdulla explained the ZATI 2008 finances, plus the 2009 forward view and the 2010 budget. ZATI will not be making any profit but will increase its membership and its project work and will try to maintain an ‘emergency’ float of $10,000 in the bank account. Julia also explained that as well as an environmental project with NGO “Honeyguide”, ZATI will be embarking on a significant Destination Marketing project in 2010 with development agency “BEST-AC” who have a budget for national and international consultants who will work with ZATI and the Commission for Tourism on a marketing strategy for Zanzibar as a destination. ZATI's 2010 activities will also include linking 150 farmers working with the Gatsby Trust Tanzania to hotels to assist them to find markets for their produce. 5. Voting of Board members With three places available on the Executive Board from 2010, the members voted in the replacements. A Ballot was taken and the new members are : Tonino – from Mtoni Marine and Coastal AirChristian from Scubado KendwaSeif from Flame Tree Cottages in Nungwi. The Governing Council of ZATI members and the existing Executive Board welcomed the new Board members 6. Voting of Chairman Elect / Deputy Chairman There were no other candidates submitted from the existing or new board members and so the Governing Council voted to support the Executive Board’s choice of Abdul Samad (Sunset Bungalows) for this position. 7. ZATI Dinner Party The chairperson of the committee Eleanor Griplas announced that the ZATI dinner paryy for 2010 will take place on the 20th of February next year, and chose a selection of members to assist in the arrangements. Eleanor will be in touch with those members regarding the first meeting on this subject. |
| United Nations World Tourism Organisation – World Tourism Day 2009 – Promoting Pemba The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism organised a three-day celebration event in Pemba this month in recognition of the UNWTO World Tourism Day, the theme for which this year is ‘Celebrating Diversity’. The island of Pemba lies 80 kms to the north of the main Zanzibar island of Unguja, and is smaller, more lush, and more undulating in its geography than its more developed neighbour. There are a few small guesthouses on the island, and three main tourist beach hotels, all offering a range of activities, including diving on Pemba’s pristine reefs. At night the wind that whispers through the clove plantations which cover most of Pemba might bring the sound of distant drumming. In the 1930s Pemba was famous the world over for the power of its sorcerers and magicians, with devotees of traditional medicine coming from as far away as Haiti to be initiated into the rites of Pemban witchdoctors. By all accounts Pemba is still a centre of voodoo today, but visitors will be unlikely to encounter this - instead you can float across spectacular coral reefs, laze on those untouched beaches and explore the winding hills and dense vegetation of the interior. The events of the UNWTO day included a conference at the Clove Inn hotel in the main town of Chake Chake, attended by Hon Samia Suluhu, the Zanzibar Minister for Tourism, and several representatives from Government departments and tourism stakeholders, including local and regional members the Commission for Tourism. Subjects discussed covered the promotion of tourism in Pemba. Zanzibar tourism associations ZATI and ZATO were involved in the presentations, as well as the voluntary organization VSO, who presented a paper summarising the findings of a recent Tourism Value Chain Analysis by the Dutch development organization SNV. There was also a tourism talk given to sixth-form students at the Fidel Castro secondary school, initiated by ILO, (the International Labour Organisation), and delivered by the Zanzibar Tourism Training Institute, ZITOD, with ZATI and VSO. The value of tourism to the economy was described to the students, together with an explanation of popular visitor tour activities, and the operations of hotels. It is hoped to encourage students to pursue careers in tourism in order to obtain jobs in hotels in Pemba. The delegation visited the village of Tumbe in the north of the island to view a bullfighting ceremony. Visitors may be surprised to find that bullfighting is a popular local sport, supposedly imported by Portuguese invaders in the 17th century. The Pemban version, however, simply involves testing the skill of the bull in a series of bold moves by the matador, after which the bull is loaded with flowers and praise, and paraded around the village. | The group then went on to view the community project of the Kidike roosting site of the Pemban Flying Fox. The Ngezi Forest is another protected area in the northwest corner of the island and it is also home to these large bats, as well as endemic flora and fauna species such as the Pemba ‘Mpapindi’ palm. There are several historical sites and ruins to explore on Pemba including a number of old mosques and tombs and the old town fort of Chake Chake. The Pujini ruins south-east of Chake Chake are the remnants of a fortified town built around the 13th century.
A highlight of the tourism promotional event was the Ngalawa race – local fishermen from the northern region of Pemba competed in an exiting race in their outrigger sailing boats, accompanied on the beach by traditional Pemban music and dancing, and local food such as grilled octopus, fruits and sweetened fried bread. A happy and colourful crowd welcomed the winners as they returned back triumphant to the shore. Special thanks for their support of the tourism celebration go to four hotels -The Clove Inn in Chake Chake town, Pemba Lodge due to open shortly on Shamiani island to the south of Pemba, Fundu Lagoon in the south west Mkoani area near Misali Island, and Kervan Saray Beach Resort with Swahili Divers, on the north-west coast.
The beauty of Pemba is bewitching. The epitome of a tropical paradise, Pemba has green valleys with rice paddies and palm trees and clove plantations that shade the roads. Vistas of the Indian Ocean are breathtaking as they appear through the peaks and depths of Pemba’s terrain. Tours to Pemba can be organised through international travel companies, tour operators in Unguja Island, and local tourist information centres which are ready to welcome visitors in Chake Chake town. Due to the success of the UNWTO celebrations, The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism hopes that the Pembam cultural celebrations will become a regular annual event, attracting tourists who want to experience the diversity of our islands. |
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30th May 2009 PRESS RELEASE – ILO and ZATI WEBSITE FOR JOB SEEKERS Launch of the new ZATI website for jobseekers: Serena Hotel Zanzibar, 1600hrs. Guest of Honour is The Minister for Women Youth Labour, Hon. Asha Juma. From June 1st 2009 ZATI is pleased to announce a new initiative to help job seekers to obtain positions in tourism in Zanzibar. In association with The International Labour Organisation, (ILO) in co-operation with the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors, ZATI have extended their website to include a new page where jobs in tourism can be advertised, and where people seeking positions in tourism can upload their CVs. The new website address is http://www.zati.org/jobopportunity.php ZATI’s 100-strong membership of tourism institutions in Zanzibar is constantly seeking Zanzibaris to join their workforce. The ZATI/ILO programme is developed in connection with the “One UN Joint Programme 5”. In recognition that training must be consistent with national economic and other policies, the United Nations in Tanzania with ILO as its lead agency has initiated a number of locally formulated programmes supporting training needs. The joint programme 5 on Capacity Building for Zanzibar is one of six in Tanzania, with the aim to strengthen the capacity of relevant Government and private sector institutions and implementation of SME and employment policies, job creation and make employment and income central to national policies. For the jobseekers, there is a simple CV template to fill in and submit, and for vacant positions in tourism, there is a form for employers to state the positions for which they require candidates. Both vacancies and available candidates will be listed on the website for one month, enabling people seeking jobs to see what vacancies are available in hotels, and people needing to recruit employees to view available candidates. Any graduates from ZITOD or other the tourism school can now advertise their availability in the same way. ILO and ZATI are expecting that this initiative will fill a gap in the jobmarket and bring opportunities to many, at the same time as satisfying the need for more Zanzibaris to be employed in tourism. Visit www.zati.org and go to “jobs in Tourism” for more information. Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors |
15th May 2009 PRESS RELEASE – ILO and ZATI WEBSITE FOR JOB SEEKERS From May 18th 2009, ZATI is pleased to announce a new initiative to help job seekers to obtain positions in tourism in Zanzibar. In association with The International Labour Organisation, (ILO) in co-operation with the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors, ZATI have extended their website to include a new page where jobs in tourism can be advertised, and where people seeking positions in tourism can upload their CVs. For the jobseekers, there is a simple CV template to fill in and submit, and for vacant positions in tourism, there is a form for employers to state the positions for which they require candidates. Already tourism accounts for several thousand jobs in Zanzibar, and with the industry set to grow, this will increase. Any persons looking for jobs in tourism can now apply online and wait for prospective employers to contact them. Any graduates from ZITOD or other the tourism school can now advertise their availability in the same way. ILO and ZATI are expecting that this initiative will fill a gap in the jobmarket and bring opportunities to many, at the same time as satisfying the need for more Zanzibaris to be employed in tourism. The new website address is http://www.zati.org/jobopportunity.php ZATI’s 100-strong membership of tourism institutions in Zanzibar is constantly seeking Zanzibaris to join their workforce. Many students are not aware of the opportunities that exist. Thus, up to 80 high-school children from four schools Bembella High School, High View International School, Hiale Selassie School and SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools in Zanzibar have this week and last week the opportunity join ZATI to visit their members The Serena Hotel, Mtoni Marine Hotel, Mbweni Ruins Hotel, Zanzibar Beach Resort and Zanzibar Ocean View Hotel, to meet the staff, see the different departments and understand how a tourist hotel is managed. They have also visited the Tourism training college in Maruhubi, ZITOD. Another school group fro Pemba will have the same outings arranged in July. The objective is to show the students that career opportunities include accountants, architects, quantity surveyors, tailors, landscape gardeners, guest relations specialists, tour guides, office administrators, plus a variety of openings in engineering, including plumbing, swimming pool maintenance, electrical engineering and carpentry. There has been an essay competition for the students of Karume Technical College and there will be a competition among the four sixth-form schools on the subject of tourism, the results of which will be announced next week. Visit www.zati.org and go to “jobs in Tourism” for more information. Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors |
7th May 2009 PRESS RELEASE – ILO and ZATI SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL TOURS OF HOTELS, ZANZIBAR The International Labour Organisation, (ILO) in co-operation with the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors, (ZATI) have embarked on a programme of school trips to hotels to help school leavers to understand the opportunities for careers in the tourism industry. ZATI’s 100-strong membership of tourism institutions in Zanzibar is constantly seeking Zanzibaris to join their workforce. Thus, during May 2009, ZATI Chairman, Director, Assistant and Project Manager have arranged visits to Karume Technical College, as well as the sixth form students of Bembela High School, High View International School, Hiale Selassie School and SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools in Zanzibar. The Karume Technical College students have entered an essay competition, the results of which will be announced on Monday 18th May, and the winner will receive the cash equivalent of one semester tuition. ZATI members Zanzibar Hotel and Catering Equipment have also volunteered to send the top three students on a specialist refrigeration engineering training course. Up to 80 high-school children from the four schools will have the opportunity to visit The Serena Hotel, Mtoni Marine Hotel, Zanzibar Beach Resort and Zanzibar Ocean View Hotel, to meet the staff, see the different departments and understand how a tourist hotel is managed. The objective is to show the students that career opportunities in hotels extend beyond serving food and drink: there are positions available for accountants, architects, quantity surveyors, tailors, landscape gardeners, guest relations specialists, tour guides, office administrators, plus a variety of openings in engineering, including plumbing, swimming pool maintenance, electrical engineering and carpentry. There will also be a school visit in Pemba organised later next month. In addition, the ZATI website will shortly have a page offering job seekers the chance to put their CVs online in order that any hotels or tour operators looking for staff will be able to access the job market. Situations vacant will also be posted by tourism institutions so that job seekers can see what opportunities are available. ZATI and ILO have also planned a joint apprenticeship programme with ZATI members in order that workers can acquire the experience and training to establish a career. Apprenticeship addresses industrial needs, allowing the tourism industry to remain competitive by investing in the development and continuous upgrade of the skills of its workforce. The ZATI/ILO programme is developed in connection with the “One UN Joint Programme 5”. In recognition that training must be consistent with national economic and other policies, the United Nations in Tanzania with ILO as its lead agency has initiated a number of locally formulated programmes supporting training needs. The joint programme 5 on Capacity Building for Zanzibar is one of six in Tanzania, with the aim to strengthen the capacity of relevant Government and private sector institutions and implementation of SME and employment policies, job creation and make employment and income central to national policies. In Zanzibar, such focus falls on tourism, which has the potential to absorb many of the young men and women entering the workforce every year. The high growth of tourist hotels provides opportunities for jobs, and it is hoped that ZATI’s partnership with ILO will highlight this need and attract the workforce necessary. Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors |
| ZATI Chairman and Director plus several Executive Board members attended the Zanzibar Business Council meeting – an all-day event providing a forum for Private and Public Sector discussions, chaired by HE The President and with Government representatives including several ministers present. There were 8 ZATI members represented, and hope to provide place for more at the next meeting in 3 months.
The topic that ZATI Chairman Simai presented was related to the Global Economic Downturn – supported by figures from the Commission for Tourism showing arrival numbers reducing, and with data and comments from you our membership summarising your experiences of reservations starting to reflect the global situation. The message was that we have to act now to combat a reduction in tourist arrivals in Zanzibar.
We also managed to cover a wide range of subjects on your behalf, including the airport, electricity, training, fuel prices, taxation and levies, import duties, unlicenced traders, papasi, security and licencing. Simai is meeting with the Chief Minister on the 10th to pick up the subject of security and licencing.
One of the suggestions that was put forward was that we should be looking to promote ourselves more on a National, Regional and Inter-continental level, while the crisis is reducing our European visitors. We hope we can put in a private/public partnership effort to attract more visitors from Tz mainland, East African Community, and South Africa. To this end we are talking to our colleagues in TATO and TCT on the mainland, and a working group will be formed to review options around visa reduction and a marketing spend increase.
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| Meeting with Tanzanian National Business Council in conjunction with the Tanzanian Private Sector Association.
March 16th 2009
Chaired by the Prime Minister of Tanzania Hon Mizengo Pinda, attended by members and PSs of the cabinet from the Union Government and Businesses from Tanzania.
ZATI Chairman attended a Round Table meeting for local Investors and also a discussion of Tanzania Business Climate and how it is affected by the current crisis in the world economy.
The dinner was on Sunday 15th March in Dar es Salaam and a meeting took place on Monday from 10:00 Hrs in the morning to 22:00 Hrs at night.
The Chairman presented three main issues under the Republic :-
The World Economic Downturn and the affect that the Credit Crunch might have on Zanzibar: Subjects discussed were Visas and tourism promotion. The Minister for Tourism was requested to consider that the best opportunity to make a public statement to release the information would be at the Indaba event in Durban in June. There was discussion about reducing the visa fees in order to encourage tourists from Europe and others areas, as well as East African Tourism and regional tourism, but the fact remains our main market are Europeans.
He also requested The Minister for Tourism to use our National TV (TBC1) seeing that its available on DSTV for African market.
The second point was relating to education: The Minister of the Republic was requested to work closer with her counterpart in order to assist Zanzibar with training programs. Apparently, three new campuses for tourism study and hospitality industry are going to be established in the mainland.
Issues of water, Dar port, electricity were discussed in length, most of it was in Dar, but the Minister of Energy did acknowledge about the new project of power to Zanzibar under MCC which we all know and have been told by the Zanzibar government.
An International round table meeting was schedule to take place at La Gemma on the 24th of March, which will be attended by President Kikwete, President Karume and senior Government officials with an addition of potential investors from abroad. The themes will be continued.
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| July 2009: Zanzibar International Film Festival – Conference: Partnering for Sustainable Tourism The Zanzibar annual film festival is a week-long rich cultural festival promoting and developing the local and international film industries. The screenings take place at the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and Africa House. There are also plenty of fringe events, and ZATI came out to support ZIFF and to encouraged its members and their guests to do likewise. ZG Films also showcased daily documentaries, providing daily 7 minute roundups of the events at the amphitheatre and on local TV stations,u-tube and facebook. Organised by ZIFF Director Dr. Martin Mhando, as part of the fringe events, the “partnering for Sustainable Tourism” conference objective was to help companies to improve and reinvent themselves and their processes to survive in today’s tourism industry. Because marketing is important tool create awareness on our tourism potentials, knowing the best practice maximizes it potential to our economy.The Conference aimed to build capacity of Zanziabr tourists’ service providers to present a critical assessment of current tourism business climate in Tanzania and address specific practice issues that confront the Tourism business sector in the Local tourism stakeholder. It also sought to identify specific intra- and inter- company needs in Tanzania and encourage multi-lateral co-operation between international investors and role-players, business practitioners and the Tourism Board. More specifically, the objective was to highlight the creativity of Zanzibaris thereby developing the growth and business potential of the tourism industry ZATI presented at the conference, highlighting the uniqueness and cultural diversity of Zanzibar, and reminding the industry of the Tourism Intelligence International advice for surviving in the economic crisis: Ø Differentiate or die – embrace consumer trends, focusing on cultural, wellbeing, ecotourismØ Concentrate on Core Business – no distractionsØ Offer Value for Money - Offers, free add-ons..Tactical Pricing!Ø Maintain Marketing Stamina – email, digital, direct, PR,..Ø Be Innovative – creativity counts. The Conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders in tourism industry both local and international to forge partnerships and discuss and promote new ideas in tourism business and its interrelation with local stakeholder’s development. |
| The Ist Zanzibar Business Council Meeting -
28th Janaury 2008, La Gemma D’es Este Hotel, Zanzibar.
Chairman the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr Amani Abeid Karume.
ZATI attended the first ZBC meeting where the following points were made on behalf of the Private Sector:
The fundamental objectives of the Zanzibar Economy are as follows:
• Zanzibar Vision 2020: ‘The overall Vision 2020’s objective is to eradicate absolute poverty in the society’
• Zanzibar Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (MKUZA): ‘…offers recommendations or interventions on how the stakeholders…can engage their actions and approaches to significantly enhance economic growth and thus poverty reduction.’
• Zanzibar Growth Strategy: ‘Consistent with Vision 2020 and MKUZA, the objective of the Growth Strategy is to realize high growth that is pro-poor.’
The headline Growth Strategy Targets from MKUZA are as follows:
• Economic growth: Attain 10% annual growth rate by 2010
• Job creation: reduce unemployment rate from 7% to 4% by 2010
• Poverty reduction: reduce basic needs poor from 49% to 25% of Zanzibaris by 2010
The Key Opportunities are:
• Zanzibar’s private sector is evolving rapidly
• Zanzibari’s inherent skills and resources are yet to be fully explored: unique furniture-making, spice trade, film & music festivals
• Telecoms is one of Africa’s fastest growing sectors; Zantel is Zanzibar’s biggest taxpayer; three fibre-optic cables coming to East Africa in 2009
The Tourism Growth Sector identifies the following issues:
The strategic objective:
• Tourism: ‘to develop sustainable and quality tourism that is culturally and socially acceptable, ecologically friendly, environmentally sustainable and economically viable with strong linkages to the rest of the economy’
• The choice between volume and value. Should Zanzibar aim for 500,000 tourists by 2013? Can the human and natural environment sustain these numbers?
• Is it possible to minimise the ambivalent attitude towards tourism investors?
• Should the Brand Zanzibar be developed, marketed and priced separately from Tanzania?
• Can private investors raise the profile and value of the authentic Zanzibar experience?
The Key Messages were:
• The private sector endorses the Growth Strategy, but highlights that the pace, scope and depth of policy implementation will determine the impact on growth, jobs and poverty reduction
• Confidence in the future of Zanzibar and Zanzibaris can be boosted through an open and collaborative partnership between business (large & small) and government
• Deliberate integration of Zanzibaris’ existing skills set into the lead sectors is vital
• Critical need for investing in young Zanzibaris secondary education and PPPs in skills training (e.g., hospitality)
The Proposed Actions from the Private Sector are:
• Private Sector:
– Join, support and strengthen industry associations (e.g., ZNCCIA) to reduce fragmentation and unify its voice
– ZNCCIA could establish programmes to provide business development services
– ZATI and Government to collaborate on a comprehensive review of the Tourism Policy, Masterplan and Strategy. (A ZATI study is ongoing)
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The 6th annual ZATI dinner party was held at the Zanzibar Serena Inn in Febraury 2009. With much assistance from the ZATI dinner party committee, those members who attended and generously contributed auction and raffle items to support ZATI's fundraising – a BIG Thank you form us here at ZATI! With many thanks to sponsorship from KCB and ZANTEL, who were our min sponsors this year and helped us to make it a fantastic party, attended by 160 ZATI members. ZATI raised $4750 at the auction and $1,243,030 on the raffle. This helps us to keep ZATI active and working for our members during 2009. Thanks too to thanks to Jason for the décor, and the Serena for such hard work, DJ Eddie and the sound and lighting crew for making it such a glittering event. The ZATI Director Julia Bishop opened the meeting and related the activities of ZATI during 2008, thanking the Chairman for his tireless energy. The Chairman introduced the Guest of Honour, Minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry Hon. Samia Suluhu, who said she was proud to have ZATI working with her. A slide show detailing everything that ZATI has been involved in for the last 12 months was shown during the dinner. Special awards were given to the following people: ZATI Secretary Maryam Olsen who works with charities such as the Zanzibar mental hospital and women and children with AIDS, historian and collector of Zanzibar tourism memorabilia John da Silva who has for many years guided hostorical tours around Stone Town, and the late Fatma Jumbe who was a strong advocate of the tourism investors during her time working at the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Agency. |
MEETING WITH THE CHIEF MINISTER – 13-3-08 On 13th March, members of the ZATI Executive Board met the Chief Minister Hon Shamsi Vuai Nahoda at his offices.The purpose of the 90 minute meeting was to thank him for being the ZATI Guest of Honour at the 2008 Annual Dinner Party last week, to get to know him and for him to get to know us, and to reiterate the ZATI issues, and ensure the most important items are on his agenda. The main part of the discussions covered the following items: - Safety and Security on the island to make sure that it is maintained as a safe place.
- The airport - to renovate it, and the need to build a larger international airport to accommodate the weight of tourists.
- The requirement for tourism police to make sure that tourists are always well looked after in Zanzibar.
- The need to improve educational standards on the island in order to provide a better educated workforce for the tourism industry.
- The rubbish collection services in Zanzibar, the problem of blue plastic bags and plastic bottles, the fact that Tumbatu island has its own incinerator, why not more of them, etc.
- A need to ensure that there are public beaches set aside so there is no local resentment now that tourism has taken all the previous leisure areas for local Zanzibaris.
The Hon Chief Minister promised to tackle these issues, with security being the most urgent and important, and in turn asked ZATI to help with tourism training by working with and encouraging the ZHTI, (the Hotel and Training Institute in Mahurubi) and also to help investigate ways that community projects in the villages could help to deal with the plastic rubbish issue. He also said that he would be happy to meet again with the ZATI Executive, but not until he had made some progress with the issues presented, and said would be in touch to discuss the progress in the future.In reply to our offer to enable him to visit some of the tourism facilities that he has not yet seen, he expressed an interest in visiting Chumbe and also Mnemba islands as he is keen to experience the tourism appeal of both. ZATI Chairman Simai Mohammed Said presented the Hon Minister with a framed copy of the saba-saba pledge (dubbed the ‘Magnificent Seven’) which he outlined in his speech during the annual dinner, which shows seven areas in which the tourism industry will try to improve upon, and asks the Government to pay attention to seven of their own areas which are necessary for tourism to thrive in Zanzibar. This pledge is attached for the information of members; please let us know if you have any comments. Finally, the Hon Chief Minister said that he is available for ZATI and that we should feel free to contact him for further discussions or assistance, and said he planned to meet with the Minister of Tourism later that day to discuss the items and identify the way forward. We hope that this is an important step towards ZATI improving its dialogue with the Government Leadership of Zanzibar. In April the ZATI Executive Board also plan to meet with the Ministry of Good Governance to gain their support for members’ issues. |
ZATI DINNER PARTY 2008 held at Serena Hotel Zanzibar 1st March 2008 It was ‘full house’ at the Serena last Saturday night as over 160 guests assembled around the pool for what is becoming one of the highlights of the Zanzibar social calendar – the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors Annual Dinner Party. Tickets were in such demand that latecomers were sitting along the wall and squeezing onto tables. The Guest of Honour at the event was the Chief Minister Hon. Shamsi Vaai Nahoda, and there were other Government Representatives from various Ministries, including the Chief Commissioner for Police Mr Simba. This year the sponsors were the Federal Bank of the Middle East represented by the General Manager Mr. Andrew Stephens from the Head Offices in Dar es Salaam. The turnout from the 70 Zanzibar hotels, tour companies, restaurants and suppliers to the tourism industry that form the ZATI membership was high, reflecting strong support in the sector. The Director of ZATI Julia Bishop opened the event with a speech and slideshow explaining all the recent activites that ZATI has been involved in - from attending Public Safety and Security meetings, to sponsoring bicycle races, undertaking Tourism Awareness training programmes with the police force in two areas, the Ondoa Taka Taka Stonetown cleanup, the building and opening of the police post in Nungwi last year, and sponsorship of the Simuliza za Busara poetry competition this year. She added that ZATI has raised the profile of the tourism industry in Zanzibar, by lobbying for a better airport and more municipal facilities and more reliable utilities for the tourism industry to survive and help the economy to prosper, and that together the ZATI members can form a force for change by working together with the Government. Ms Bishop concluded that The Zanzibar Government’s Strategy for Half a Million Tourists in Zanzibar 2007-2013 provides three challenges for ZATI. - To establish the feasibility and impact of this on Zanzibar given the current infrastructure
- To help to position Zanzibar’s tourism strategy to deliver jobs and income rather than visitor numbers
- To work with the Public Sector to deliver their goal to:
“Adopt eco-tourism as a tool to sustain the natural and cultural environment and highlighting the image of the destination” (Zanzibar Tourism Masterplan) The Chairman of ZATI – Mr Simai Mohammed Said (who is also the Chairman of Sauti za Busara) reminded the audience that tourism now represents 22% of the GDP and 77% of the FDI of Zanzibar, and laid down a strong challenge in his speech. He said that the tourism industry, and ZATI members particularly, needed to try to adhere to a seven-part plendge – dubbed ‘The Magnificent Seven’. These promises are to encourage good cultural awareness and respect, to build and operate in a responsible manner, to be law-abiding employers, to educate and train their staff, to look after the environment, to work together with local communities, and to operate a high standard of business ethics. He particularly said he would like to see ZATI members employing over 50% Zanzibaris by the year 2010. Mr Simai Mohammed went on to say that success for tourism lies in partnership, and in return he posed an equal challenge for the Government – in order for tourism to thrive and be sustainable in Zanzibar, he said that the Government should be mindful of their responsibilities too, and suggested a further seven challenges to assist the tourism industry – and in fact any economic growth in Zanzibar : That Zanzibar needs to be a safe and secure environment for businesses to operate and guests to visit; that utilities such as power water and healthcare needed to be improved; that international standard airport and sea ports needed to be built and maintained; that a higher level of basic education and better vocational training would allow more Zanzibaris to enter and benefit from opportunities in the tourism industry; that local businesses needed to be encouraged to supply the tourism industry to reduce mainland imports; that environmental policies needed to be properly adhered to; and finally that taxes and levies need to be fair and transparent. He concluded that the tourism industry needed to work closely with the public sector in order that both sides could keep their part of the bargain. He thanked the Government for building better road network, for improving bridges, for the new terminal at the port, and said that mobile communications are now widespread which helps the industry – but also requested urgent attention to the airport, the water and electricity supplies, unlicenced traders hassling tourists, the illegal sale of items such as sea shells, and rubbish collection, which makes Zanzibar one of the dirtiest areas in the country. The General Manager of the FBME bank Ltd Mr. Andrew Stevens made a speech praising the natural beauty of Zanzibar and repeating that tourism is a vital growth sector in the economy. He said the FBME bank are happy to play their part and do their bit to assist in the growth of the industry. He congratulated ZATI and the Government on the good work they are doing to promote tourism. The Chief Minister Hon Vuai Mohammed thanked all assembled for the part they play in tourism, and stated he was very happy to be the Guest of Honour of this occasion. He provided figures to show that tourism is the fastest growth sector and should play an active part in implementing the strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction as well as being important for socio-economic development. He said that tourists require high quality services and returned the Chairman Mr Simai’s challenges with reports of the new Malindi passenger port, the improved road network, and he said the Government has waged a war against malaria. He finally assured the members of ZATI that the Government would improve security measures to combat crime, since the tourism industry in Zanzibar is volatile and needs its international reputation protecting. Finally special recognition was given by ZATI for special services to tourism industry – first to the Hon Mohammed Aboud, former Minister for Tourism, who has long been a strong advocate of tourism in Zanzibar, to Renco for its assistance in building the new police post in Nungwi, and to the Rotary Club, among whose members are also many ZATI members, for their tireless assistance in helping community development and bringing eyecare clinics and and valuable lab equipment to schools. It was concluded that the evening was a great success, that with private and public dialogue in a constructive and open manner the tourism industry in Zanzibar can be set to grow, but in a carefully managed way, taking care to attract a high quality of tourism investment which is sustainable and responsible, and supported with the right infrastructure, education and services. |
The ZATI AGM help on 30th November 2007 covered the following topics:
Membership – ZATI now has 60 members. This number is likely to increase again next year. Achievements of ZATIZATI HAS COME A LONG WAY since taking over the Chair in 2005: In the first year, the key issue was to put ZATI ‘on the map’ – particularly raising awareness of the organisation in Government circles. The website was launched, and one of the first reports – the dolphins in Nungwi – hit the front pages. In the same year, following a spate of violent robberies at hotels, with the help of the then Minister of Public Safety and Security, this was abated. Starting early on to bridge gaps in understanding between the public and private sectors, the Chairman explained how ZATI has begun a series of police training sessions in response to members’ reports of difficulty with relationships between the police and the tourism sector. These sessions are ongoing. With leadership from Eleanor Griplas, we took on the very successful project ‘Ondoa Takataka’, which initiated what many people report as a noticeable improvement in the general cleanliness of the town. The Chairman said that there is still a long way to go, but ZATI has managed though these activities to start to put ZATI on a higher level in the political agenda, finally marked by a meeting we had with His Excellency the President last year. The burning issues of the day were put to him and the Hon Minister for Tourism by ZATI members themselves: Helen Peeks covered ecotourism, Car Salisbury represented the airport and the fuel issues, Paolo Chiaro talked about taxation, Javed Jafferji took on the subject of the development of Stone Town, and there was regional representation in the form of Nassor Ali for Nungwi and Mark Coppin for Matemwe. As a result the Kibanda Ugali were abolished – and ZATI was informed that the airport would be improved very soon. Achievements ‘07 The dinner party in March 07 was a huge success, attended by the Hon Minister for Tourism, and ZATI are hoping to have an even more successful event next year – please put 8th March in your diaries – the first Saturday of March. The Guest of Honour this time will be The Chief Minister for Zanzibar, who is the second in command, and we will make sure that there are some good prizes to be won! ZATI reached out into the Diplomatic Corps with a meeting of all the foreign consuls in Zanzibar to investigate opportunities to build an international standard clinic on the island. This is still pending, and we’ll update you as and when things progress. ZATI was also happy to be part of an historic event for Zanzibar with the arrival of Zanair’s newest plane at the ‘Meet the Fokker’ event. ZATI has completed more police training in Mkokotoni this year, supported the Uhuru torch, held a private v. public football match, assisted the MCC Cricket Team to play in Zanzibar, we have been involved in a 2 day workshop to re-write the Zanzibar environmental policy, and we are attempting to secure some EC funded hotel training for your employees. Finally, ZATI is proud and happy with the new state-of-the-art Police Post built at Nungwi – this was in response to members’ concerns about safety in the area, because before the other police post in Mkokotoni was too distant. The opening ceremony in October was attended by all ranks of police officials including the Chief Commissioner, and opened by the Chief Minister of Zanzibar, represented by Hon Mohammed Aboud. Donations from the ZATI members helped with this, but we should also acknowledge and thank Renco – Paolo, the ZATI Deputy – for the huge support he provided in building the post. ZATI has a real feel of a new beginning now that we are comfortably installed in our new offices in Cine Afrique. Please feel free to drop in any time. To complete the year by rounding it off with a high profile event, ZATI has secured a date for a round-table discussion – Tuesday 11th December – with a number of prominent government officials on the subject of ‘Building a Successful Tourism Industry on Zanzibar.’ – and the Chairman said he would be taking the ideas of the ZATI members from this AGM to that round-table discussion. The Vision for 2008: · The Chairman welcomed the new Director, Project Support and Office Assistant – 3 new members of the ZATI Team to take the organisation to a higher level.· IFA have secured a World Bank grant to work with a consultant to put together a strategic plan for ZATI – this will start in January 2008, and be complete in Feb.· There will be a new ZATI Brochure and Website enhancements – starting from January 2008· Foreign donations will be sought to help us to undertake a new 3 year project which will help Zanzibaris to become more engaged in tourism at a higher professional level through enhanced educational opportunities · ZATI will help to best position its members to take advantage of the Sullivan Summit which arrives in Zanzibar in June 08 as we have been selected to co-ordinate this prestigious event, with express wishes to ensure that only those companies who are ZATI members need apply.· ZATI will take the Zanzibar representation at the Karibu Fair to a higher level – this year with a special enclosure just for Zanzibar Hotels and Operators – and we are counting on members’ active participation in bringing the beach into the bush!· As usual, the board of ZATI will be listening to the members, as the numbers increase, to understand the needs of the industry in order to present your case to those that are in a position to improve the island for investors and tourists alike. The Airport Finally, there was an extended debate with Mr Malik from the Airports authority. This was chaired by ZATI, and members were invited as offer their suggestions for improvements to the airport. The contents of the flip chart were produced on letter form together with a petition from all members, and it was taken away as an action by the airport authorotoes to improve the existing condition and management of the airport and to advise ZATI on plans to bild a new international airport. Elections Finally, voting was held to elect the new members of the Executive committee – the results were as follows: New Executive Committeee 2008Chairman – Ismail Mohammed SaidDeputy Chairman – Paolo Chiaro (Renco/La Gemma Dell’Est)Treasurer– Eleanor Griplas (Safari Blue)Board and Founder Member – Carl Salisbury (ZanAir/ZanTours)Board Member and Executive Secretary – Maryam Olsen (Explore Zanzibar)Board Member & Coordinator of Nungwi Peninsula Committee – Nassor Ali (Mnarani Beach Cottages) Board Member – Anthony Chege (Serena Inn)Member Representative for Pemba – Farhat Jah The re-elected Executive Committee members were welcomed back to the board. Board Member Helen Peeks (Chumbe Island) and Board Member & Coordinator of Kiwengwa-Pwani Mchangani Committee– Vittorio de Felice(Ventaglio) both resigned their positions and were thanked for all their hard work in the past few years. New Executive Committee membersMember – Abdul Samad (Sunset Bungalows) The new committee member was warmly congratulated and welcomed to the board. Julia BishopZATI Direcotr. |
| NEW NUNGWI POLICE POSTBUILT WITH DONATIONS FROM ZATI MEMBERSOPENED 20th OCTOBER 2007 In an unprecedented example of a successful private / public project to improve security in the region, a New Police Post at Nungwe, hailed as one of the finest on the island, was officially opened on Saturday 20th October. The inauguration was performed by the guest of honour Deputy Minister of Public Safety and Security of the United Republic of Tanzania Hon Mohammed Aboud representing Chief Minister of Zanzibar, Hon Shamsi Vuai Nahodha.Over 300 people attended the ceremony, many from Nungwi region, who came to enjoy the police brass band, the cultural entertainment and the speeches. All high ranking police officers attended to view their newest post. Several Heads of Local Government from the Northern Region, plus village elders and other dignitaries were invited, mingling with members of ZATI – the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors - from the Nungwi region, many of whom have donated towards the Police Post, which cost in the region of 60 million shillings to build. Donations came from Smiles Beach Hotel, Baobab Beach Bungalows, Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel, Mnarani Beach Cottages, Flame Tree Cottages, La Rosa De Venti, Nungwi Village Beach Resort, East Africa Dive Center and La Gemma Delle est. In addition to this, there was a tremendous support and extra financing from the Deputy Chairman of ZATI who is also the Director of RENCO Zanzibar, Mr Paolo Chiaro who supervised the construction and ensured that the Police Post was completed and equipped with proper furniture. The ceremony concluded that the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors and the Ministry of Public Safety and Security have successfully combined their efforts in creating the new post to combat petty crime and make Nungwi a more secure place for local people and tourists alike. |
8 - 10 June 2007 Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair
Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) proudly promoted Zanzibar at the Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair in Arusha from 8th – 10th June! Visitors to the ZATI stand were given promotional material about hotels, tour operators and excursions, along with copies of the new ZATI brochure Building a Successful Tourism Industry. Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism paid a visit to the stand, where the ZATI Chairman emphasised the importance of promoting Zanzibar as a tourist destination alongside mainland Tanzania. This year Zanzibar was very well represented, with over 22 ZATI Members exhibiting.
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30 May 2007 Uhuru Torch
The Uhuru Torch symbolises freedom and light. Following a speech by the late Mwalim Julis Kambarage Nyerere, it was first lit on top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 1961, to symbolically shine across the country and across borders to bring hope where there is despair, love where there is enmity and respect where there is hatred. A procession takes place every year in Tanzania, and this year the ceremony is being held in Zanzibar.
The Uhuru Torch event on 30th May launched a number of development projects relating to water, roads, health, agriculture, electricity and education. ZATI supported the ceremony by sponsoring t-shirts, hats, programmes and car stickers which helped to raise awareness about the Torch’s ability to promote socio-economic and cultural development across Tanzania. |
5 Janyary 2007
ZanAir launch of Fokker 28
ZATI proudly supported one of its members, ZanAir, as it launched a new 70-seater Fokker 28 at the Zanzibar Serena Inn. ZanAir is the only private airline in the Isles to own such a plane. Carl Salisbury, owner of ZanAir and its sister company ZanTours recognises the importance of developing air travel not only for international tourism, but also for inbound domestic travel within the East African Community. ZanAir’s vision is to be a premier aviation company, and they would also like to see air travel become more affordable and accessible for Zanzibaris.
The Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment, Honourable Samia Suluhu Hassan spoke at the event, acknowledging that the venture will have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Zanzibar. She also paid tribute to ZATI, as the organisation continues to be instrumental in the formation of a successful public-private partnership in the Isles. 
Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment, the Hon. Samia Suluhu delivers her speech, accompanied by Carl Salisbury, the owner of ZanAir and other staff members. |
Dinner Party
The 2007 dinner party at the Serena Inn was the biggest yet, with over 100 people attending from the public and private sectors in Zanzibar. The purpose of the event is to offer tourism stakeholders a chance to network and discuss ideas in an informal setting, and also to support the public-private partnership through inviting a number of public sector representatives along to the evening. An auction was also held which helped to raise over $5,000 for ZATI activities over the next year.
The Guest of Honour, the Minister of Tourism Trade and Investment the Honourable Samia Suluhu, noted in her speech that ZATI members had catalysed tourism in Zanzibar and helped the economy to grow.
On the night the Honourable Minister also presented three awards, acknowledging Carl Salisbury (ZanAir, ZanTours), Nassor Mazrui (Mazsons Hotel) and Eleanor Griplas (Safari Blue excursion) for their contribution over the past ten years, helping to promote Zanzibar as a quality destination, while also strengthening the economy and supporting socio-economic development on the isles.
Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment the Hon. Samia Suluhu presenting the ZATI award to Eleanor Griplas, owner of the company that runs Safari Blue excursions
Edwin van Zwam and Natashja of Fumba Beach Lodge talks to Vuai Mohammed the Executive Secretary of the Commission for Tourism
Robby of BlueBay Beach Resort and Spa, and friends
Board Member Helen Peeks (Chumbe Island) and Issa Mlingoti, Director of Planning at the Commission for Tourism, along with (L-R) Michelle from OneWay, Yusuf of Busara and Aida from Stone Town Heritage Society
Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment the Hon. Samia Suluhu talking to the Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Sports Mahmoud T. Kombo and Mama Kombo
Smiles of success as the Chairman Simai Mohammed Said presents Mabrouk Jabu, Director of the Municipality with a certificate thanking him for his work as part of the Ondoa Taka Taka Subcommittee.
Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Sports Mahmoud T. Kombo talks to Olaf Islei, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and Peter Bennett of Busara Promotions |
24 March 2007 Foreign Consuls and emergency medical arrangements
As the numbers of tourists grow, the demand for medical services will increase. The Consul from the Embassy of the United States of America, Robert F. Hannan initiated a meeting between ZATI Members and Foreign Consuls to discuss how they can all work together to try to address issues surrounding medical evacuation procedures, security, health and safety, and the emergency facilities available in Zanzibar. The following Consuls attended:
• Annabelle Averty, Consul, Embassy of France
• Robert F. Hannan, Consul, Embassy of the United States of America
• Angelika Sepetu, Honorary Consul, Federal Republic of Germany
• Sandra Valentini, Consul, Embassy of Switzerland
• Paolo Chiaro, Honorary Consul, Embassy of Italy and Deputy Chairman
• Carl Salisbury, Honorary Consul, United Kingdom and ZATI Board Member
Whilst some new hotels will likely bring support for medical centres with them, action is required to make sure that we are prepared for any eventuality. At the meeting it was agreed that ideally Zanzibar should have 2 medical centres (one in Stone Town and one in the north east of the island) with a ‘Knight Support’ ambulance. Whilst we already have a centre in Matemwe, funding is required both to increase its capacity and support the other centre and ambulance. ZATI are looking in to how this can be achieved, perhaps with the help of the foreign Governments. |
18 December 2006 Meeting the President of Zanzibar
ZATI Board Members were honoured to meet His Excellency Amani Abeid Karume at the State House. The purpose of the visit was to offer support for the public-private partnership, exchange ideas on tourism in Zanzibar and discuss the infrastructure on the Isles.
The Chairman presented The President with a plaque in acknowledgement of his support to development in Zanzibar and the growth of the tourism industry, and in particular praising his Government for the progress that has been made in building roads in Nungwi, Kiwengwa, Paje and Jambiani.
The President was also given a video tape of kibanda ugali and Kwamchina, a settlement in Kiwengwa where many ‘beach boys’ and unlicensed petty traders who were causing problems for nearby hotels were living. Since the visit, the site has been removed and ZATI would like to commend His Excellency for this.
ZATI, in support of the Kiwengwa Hoteliers Committee, also urged the Government to look into a long term solution, for example a marketplace at Kipandoni, to prevent the unlicensed petty traders returning to the area, and so that tourists along the north-east coast feel safer knowing they are buying from legitimate sellers. ZATI recommends to the Government that all businesses are registered to the District Commissioner to assist the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Investment with keeping up-to-date records and to improve security of the industry. The Kiwengwa-Mchangani Pwani-Matemwe area is recognised as one of Zanzibar’s most important tourism areas, home to a number of hotels including: Matemwe Bungalows, Mövenpick Beach and Spa Resort, Neptune Pwani Beach Resort and Spa, Ocean Paradise Resort, Mapenzi Beach Club, Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski, Shooting Star, Karibu VentaClub, La Villa Beach Resort, BlueBay Beach Resort and Spa, Veraclub, Sea Club and BravoClub.
Nassor Mahrouk, Coordinator of the Nungwi Peninsular Hoteliers Committee requested the Government to look into the security situation in Nungwi as well as improving the health facilitates available, as the area has around 12,000 people and the most hotels that are registered as locally-owned (over 40). The security of the area needs to be addressed as there are a number of non-registered, non-resident, non-Zanzibari migrants coming across from the mainland and other East African countries, which sometimes can result in cultural disputes, quarrels and a sense of insecurity. This situation highlights the importance of keeping records of these visitors with local Shehas and Councillors.
Discussions also covered the ongoing power fluctuations and the airport. The President assured Members that there would be a new airport terminal which would help alleviate the strain on the current terminal, as visitor numbers are set to increase. ZATI would like to offer its congratulations to the Government for the commitment of building a new passenger terminal at the Zanzibar International Airport.
ZATI Members were each designated a topic area to present to the President: | Chairman, Simai Mohammed | The development of tourism in Unguja and Pemba | | Deputy Chairman Paolo Chiaro (Renco/La Gemma Dell’Est) | Taxation | | Carl Salisbury (ZanAir and ZanTours) | Airport and fuel crisis | | Helen Peeks (Chumbe Island) | Eco-tourism | | Javed Jafferji (ZG Design and Galley Tours) | Stone Town and its development | | Mark Coppin (IFA Hotels and Resorts) | Kiwengwa-Pwani Mchangani-Matewmwe area | | Nassor Salum Ali (Mnarani Beach Cottage) | Nungwi and its progress |
ZATI Chairman, along with ZATI members, addresses His Excellency Amani Abeid Karume, the President of Zanzibar.
ZATI Chairman Simai Mohammed Said presenting to His Excellency Amani Abeid Karume, the President of Zanzibar a video tape of kibanda ugali.
From L-R (top): Paolo Chiaro, Javed Jafferji, Carl Salsbury, Mark Coppin. Bottom: Helen Peeks, Simai Mohammed Said, H.E. Amani Abeid Karume, Hon. Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment Samia Suluhu, Nassor Salum Ali |
17 February 2007
Zanzibar Airport
ZATI met with the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment the Honourable Samia Suluhu, and the Minister of Communications and Transport the Honourable Brig. Gen. (Rtd.) Adam Mwakanjuki to discuss a number of issues currently affecting the industry, and in particular the Unguja airport. Ministers listened to ZATI’s concerns about the lack of shade, the attitude and unfriendly approach of the porters, generator problems during power cuts and security issues. In response, they emphasised that plans were underway to address these concerns. In addition, ZATI would like to see Zanzibaris receive training to deliver first-class customer service.
It was agreed that this would be the first of many meetings of this kind to ensure that there is an open dialogue between the two sectors. |
| Chairman Simai held a round-table meeting with The Honourable Minister for Tourism, The Director for Ports, Stone Town and Municipalities. The interests of the ZATI members were discussed in full – including the airport, the port congestion in town, safety and security, and the situation of power and water.
The press warmly welcomed this spirit of open discussion and mutual respect and co-operation. Press headlines from the event praised the ‘full and open’ discussions on wide-reaching subjects that affect the tourism industry in Zanzibar. |
The press reported on a meeting at which ZATI was invited to speak in December 2007, to nightlight the illegal use of dynamite fishing along the mainland coast of Tanzania. Representing the tourism interest, ZATI stated that coastal tourism accounts for 20-22% of Zanzibar GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and 17% of mainland GDP (including safaris), approximately 77% of Zanzibar FDI which is around $139.555 million (Foreign Direct Investment) and brings in over $55 million (2005) to Zanzibar and coastal Tanzanian regions per annum. Although dynamiting the sea has sometimes been heard in Pemba, the main reports of it being used as a means of fishing come from the mainland coastal regions. With mainland coastal tourism being highlighted as a potential area for economic growth, ZATI stated that there was much at stake if the marine environment were to be allowed to be destroyed. As well as the livelihoods of many legal fishermen using nets whose catch size and quality will be badly affected, tourists would not want to come to beaches where such practices are commonplace. Even if we assume only 25% of projected tourism to Tanzania visits the coastal areas in 2010, the amount of potential loss of tourism income could amount to USD 100 million GDP, plus 138,000 jobs, USD 150 million foreign visitor spending, $80 million capital expenditure. ZATI reminded the audience, among whom were the Minister of Tourism and many prominent fisheries experts, that tourists who come tom Tanzania will be disappointed if they do not find the pristine reefs for which we are well known in the snorkeling and diving tourism world. The also pointed out that Africa is the biggest tourism growth area in the world – and other African countries are increasing in popularity for coastal tourism. If we are to maintain coastal tourism as part of our Tanzanian economic growth strategy, we have to ensure that we protect our marine environment. The meeting concluded that dynamiting is illegal and needs to be stopped. A further committee will be set up with fisheries ad the navy and police to look into how a zero-tolerance process can be put in place to stop the illegal practice. |
| Acra (Italian NGO - Associazione di Cooperazione Rurale in Africa e America Latina -- www.acra.it) and AITR (Associazione Italiana Turismo Responsabile -- www.aitr.org) would like to thank ZATI for accepting the invitation to participate as speaker to the International Conference on Tourism and poverty: best practises for a small island at policies, market and civil society level that will be held on the 7th-8th and 9th of October 2008 at Zanzibar Beach Resort (ex Fishermen), Mazizini, Zanzibar. The Conference offers the opportunity of sharing experiences among actors from different areas and positions, in terms of role and perspectives on tourism market. Following frontal speeches thematic workgroups, involving both Zanzibar and international actors, will extract best practises which could be / should be replicated in Zanzibar, moving from the experiences reported in the first days. The contribution of the participants to the workshops will help in identifying priorities, strategies and modalities of poverty reduction through tourism. The Conference will also propose the establishment of a tourism network which will involve all interested stakeholders. The output of each workshop will be presented at the end of the Conference. Therefore, it is strongly recommended a constant participation. Please find attached the detailed program of the Conference. 4 workshops focus on the following issues: 1. POLICIES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION: MINISTRIES, DONORS, CIVIL SOCIETY AND PRIVATE SECTOR PERSPECTIVES. 2. TOURISM IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENT: ZANZIBAR PROBLEM ANALYSIS. 3. OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS FOR DIVERSIFYING TOURISM PACKAGES: THE SPACE FOR LOCAL PEOPLE IN TOUR OPERATORS STRATEGIES. 4. ZANZIBAR SMEs AND TOURISM RELATED BUSINNESSES: OPPORTUNITIES FOR POVERTY REDUCTION. |
Bridging the North – South Divide through Sustainable Tourism Development
Hosted by:
Stenden University
21-24 October 2008 Theme
Bridging the North – South Divide through Sustainable Tourism DevelopmentConference Aim
Build on, expand, and leverage current North – South, and South – South initiatives towards sustainable tourism development, poverty reduction, and societal betterment.Conference Goals
1. Provide a Forum for governments, private enterprise, donor agencies, foundations and NGO’s to debate and reach consensus on more effective models of achieving North – South and South – South collaboration towards sustainable tourism development, poverty reduction, and societal betterment.2. Identify Models of Best Practice in North – South and South – South collaboration in achieving Sustainable Tourism Development3. Facilitate effective knowledge transfer on Models of Best Practice and state of the art contribution of technology to Sustainable Tourism Development, Community Empowerment, and Destination Marketing.4. Enhance the role of the Media, and the role of Culture and Sport in nurturing North – South and South-South dialogue, relationships and collaboration.5. Engage Educators and future leaders of the industry in the debate, and in conducting innovative research that will contribute to enhanced North – South and South – South collaboration towards sustainable tourism development.6. Identify potential synergies with other industries for sustainable wealth creation, poverty reduction, and societal betterment in the Group of 77 Countries, and
particularly Least Developed Countries (LDC’s), Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDC’s), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Topics
ؼ/span> Gaining greater leverage from North – South initiatives including the roles of Donor Agencies, Foundations, and NGO’s
ؼ/span> South – South Initiatives in Sustainable Tourism Development
ؼ/span> Innovative Initiatives within Developing Countries
ؼ/span> Innovative Private Sector Initiatives
ؼ/span> Recent developments in Micro-Enterprise
ؼ/span> Volunteer Tourism, Philanthropic Tourism, Fair Trade Tourism
ؼ/span> Knowledge Transfer and the Contribution of Technology to Sustainable Tourism Development
ؼ/span> The Role of Culture and SportRole of the Media |
World Class Toursim Training comes to Zanzibar Three tourism training programme sessions have been conducted this month – with 20 hotel employees and 20 trainers from the hotel training institute, as well as 6 tour guides.There are now over 60 newly trained trainers on the island. The three day course shows the trainers how to assess training needs, and how to set up and conduct training session. Topics covered are front office management, housekeeping, food and beverage preparation and service.They have been shown a step by step process to ensure that each training session is executed clearly by breaking down a task into sub-tasks and transferring the skills and knowledge required to perform it. They will be assessed in their workplace now, and given a certificate if they pass the assessment. This training should ensure that people who want to work in tourism will benefit from this training at the institute, and also in-house hotel training will be improved. A website has all the information on it – this is new, internationally recognized curriculum showing the occupational standards and the necessary procedures to perform every activity in each hotel department. This website is open to all - www.ttptanzania.com. ZATI has organsied this training together with the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism. |
ZATI addresses the face and threat of international terrorism with several secuirty and police figures, both, foreign and local. This meeting was held on Sunday 15th June, for hotel sucurity staff, and Monday 16th of June, for the Zanzibar Police Force, at the Zanzibar Beach Resort. Present at this metting was Mr. Kevin Bolton, Ros Morris and Detective Inspectors from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office of the Metropolitan Police in London. Also representing the local authorities was the Commissioner of Police in Zanzibar Khamis Simba, Regional Crime Officer - Urban West Mr. Saidi Malekano, Regional Commissioner and representatives from the Zanzibar Police Headquarters and Legal Officers. The agenda in discussion was the face of international terrorism, managing the risk of terrorism including a breakdown of several means of gearing up with a security plan in the effort to prevent and fight terrorism. |
| Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI)
Annual General Meeting 2008
Summary of Main Items.
Date: Friday 28th November 2008
Venue: Zanzibar Beach Resort
Time: 1330hrs – 1730hrs
Present:
Invited Guests
The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of Zanzibar Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr Amani Abeid Karume
Honourable Minister Responsible for Tourism, Trade and Investement , Hon Samia Suluhu Hassan
The Regional Commissioner of Urban West Region, Baba Yetu Hon Abdallah Mwinyi
Principal Secretary, Ministry for Tourism, Trade and Investment, Mr Affan Maalim
Deputy Principal Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Investments, Ndugu Yangu Mr Joseph Meza
Executive Secretary, Commission of Tourism, Dr Ahmada
President of the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, Mr Abdallah Abbas
Members of the press: TV Zanzibar, Zanzibar Leo, BBC, Channel 10.
ZATI Executive Board
Chairman – Simai Mohammed Said
Deputy Chairman – Paolo Chiaro (Renco/La Gemma Dell’Est)
Board Member and Treasurer – Eleanor Griplas (Safari Blue)
Board Member – Carl Salisbury (ZanAir/ZanTours)
Board Member and Executive Secretary – Maryam Olsen (Explore Zanzibar)
Board Member & Coordinator of Nungwi Peninsula Committee – Nassor Ali (Mnarani Beach Cottages)
Board Member – Anthony Chege (Serena Inn)
Board Member – Abdul Samad (Sunset Bungalows)
Approximately 70 members of ZATI
the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr Amani Abeid Karume addressed the ZATI members and guests present, and said he was pleased to have been invited to the ZATI AGM and to meet some of the members. He recalled meeting the Executive Board in December 2006 when there was a pleasant exchange of ideas on the promotion of tourism in Zanzibar.
The tourism industry is increasingly becoming the mainstay of the Zanziabr economy, and contributing nearly 20%, with a steady and satisfactory growth over the last few years. The Government wishes to reassure the investors of their continued support as partners in the overall tourism industry, and is open to ideas and views that will contribute positively to its growth through regular joint consultation, and to go into 2009 as partners and stakeholders, working together to keep tourism strong.
HE went on to say that the industry has benefited from the major new road network, the growth in the communication sector and the supply of electricity to all parts of the island, including a planned new cable to Pemba, plus the clean and safe water supply. This infrastructure development has promoted the tourism industry, and has been carried out as an obligation to this important sector.
HE took the opportunity to challenge stakeholders in the tourism industry to accept their own obligation more seriously, including paying all taxes on time, and to support the Zanzibar Tourism Development Institute at Maruhubi college by offering practical training for students.
Wishing all members festival greetings for Eid, Christmas and New Year, HE The President declared the Annual General Meeting of the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors officially opened.
The Chairman of ZATI, Simai Mohammed Said first offered sincere words of appreciation for HE The President’s presence and words of wisdom, and thanked him for attending, on behalf of all members. He said that ZATI is in its 5th years and standing firm in ensuring and supporting the tourism industry and other related sectors.
He asked to be allowed to take those assembled on a short journey to show what ZATI has achieved this year in support of the members, and the vision for the future. The ZATI DVD ‘Through the Doors’ was played, and The Chairman presented a 20 minute slide show with photographs. (Available for ZATI members, and also covered in the 08-09 brochure)
The Chairman concluded with a request for assistance in the new airport, that members could be informed in advance of any new taxation, to better equip the Commission for Tourism, to help create handicraft areas near tourist zones, to discourage child labour, and to introduce general tourism education into schools. He also said that the Zanzibar Business Council is a good forum to work in partnership, and hopes to start the first meeting shortly.
He finally thanked HE The President, the Chief Minister, The Minister for Tourism Trade and Investment, The Commission for Tourism, The Ministry of Communications and Transport, The Ministry of Water, Construction, Energy and Lands, The Commissioner of Police, The Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners of Unguja and Pemba, as well as numerous NGOs, cultural institutions, Embassies, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel Training Institute, and the media, for all their support.
Other issues discussed in the subsequent open forum covered Taxation, Power, Tourism Licences, Fuel Costs, Regional Representation, Zanzibar Tourism PRomotion, and the Global Financial Crisis and the effect that it might have on the Tourism Industry in Zanzibar.
A show of hands was requested and the membership showed a strong vote of confidence in the Chairman of ZATI to contine through the next year of his second term.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and participating in the meeting, and welcomed everyone to stay for the refreshments.
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U.S. Embassy Tanzania Press Release October 28, 2008 | | U.S. sends Tanzanian tourism representative to the World Cultural Economic Forum in New Orleans, USA The first annual World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) will take place in New Orleans for three days from October 29 through 31, 2008 to explore the economic and social value of an economy fueled by culture. Positioned to become the “Davos” (World Economic Forum) of culture, the forum will host a spectrum of international participant-countries, including Tanzania, which will be represented by Simai Mohamed Said. Simai Said is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zanzibar Association of Tourism (ZATI) and CEO of Busara Productions and of Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara music and cultural festival. According to the U.S. Embassy spokesperson, the goal of WCEF is to build cultural economic development opportunities through the strategic convening of cultural ambassadors and leaders from around the world. The first World Cultural Compact will be drafted at the event. The forum will be attended by leaders shaping the world’s cultural economy and will include ministers of culture and tourism, high-ranking officials within those ministries, business people with significant financial investments in companies that support culture and tourism, and popular artists of all kind including musicians, actors, chefs, painters, crafts artists, sculptors, writers and teachers. Simai Said has been specifically asked by the organizers to participate in a special panel discussion entitled, “Best Practices: Cultural Tourism.” He will share the panel with emissaries from Italy, Kazakhstan, Thailand and the European Commission. Additionally, there will be break-out sessions on developing the international cultural economy, and international business leaders will share model programs that bolster the business of culture while investors will discuss strategic finance structures for the cultural economy and the value of sustaining artistic and cultural products and sites. Simai Said’s participation at WCEF came about through the U.S. Embassy’s Cultural Affairs Office and the Embassy’s newly created Zanzibar Affairs Office. Sponsorship was provided by the American people through the State of Louisiana, the New Orleans Export Assistance Center, WCEF, and the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU). ********* |
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TRAINING:
For three weeks this July we were involved in training managers and heads of departments from 9 ZATI member hotels attend an EC sponsored ‘TRAIN the TRAINER’ course. With new national curriculum and expert overseas trainers, ZATI has been busy spending 15 days co-training the sessions held at the Zanzibar Beach Hotel. The Minister for Tourism opened the training course and said that she was happy to know that the standards of training were being addressed. So we now have 15 new in-house trainers among our membership – from Neptune, Kempinski, Breezes, Mtoni Marine, Serena, Uhuru Travel, Chumbe Island, IFA and Zanzibar Beach Resort. We were also training with the lecturers from the Zanzibar Hotel Training Institute (or ZITOD as they are now known – Institute of Tourism Development) plus the ACRA organization in Nungwi and the Jambiani tourism training centre - and so there are also another 35 teachers from the training institutions here that have also benefited from this training. This means that the graduates we see coming from these institutions will be of a good quality to fill job vacancies.There was also a training for tourguides course run from the ZITOD college, and although it was mostly targeted at the ZITOD teachers, a few tour guides themselves were able to obtain places. We hope we will be able to run these courses again in the near future. With approximately 2000 more jobs needed to fill in new hotels over the next 5 years, it is important that we get as many quality trainers out there getting Zanzibari people ready to step into positions in tourism, both in hotels and in tour operations.We ask members to be ready to put forward more in-house trainers for the next dates, we hope in October. 5% SDL Tax: ZATI has engaged various ministries in discussion about the new Skills Development levy in an attempt to reduce and delay it as we were all feeling the pinch after the power problems, but since it was announced in last year’s budget we have not been able to do so. However, we hope that this too will assist Zanzibaris to be able to engage better in the tourism sector and other industries in Zanzibar; as we are informed that there will be a new vocational college to be built with the taxes collected from us. AIRPORT: On the 30th July the Chairman and Director of ZATI both attended a forum arranged by the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce on the subject of the airport. At last year’s AGM ZATI members had a brainstorming session about the improvements that are necessary to the airport, with senior airport officials present. Since then there seems to have been some discussions to effect a tidy-up of the existing airport, and the purpose of the forum was to look more closely at the challenges and issues. ZATI Chairman extended the vote of thanks, ZATI director presented the summary of the AGM comments from all ZATI members as a powerpoint presentation, many stakeholders including ZATI members Zanair were present to air their views, and the conclusion was that there would be a report produced showing the way forward. The forum was opened by the Minister for Tourism and concluded by the new Minister for Transport and Communication.
NEXT MONTH – Website update to be completed, new brochure to go into publishing, the ZATI commissioned Tourism Report produced by consultants ACORN and paid for by IFC will be released. |
The Zanzibar Arena attracted lots of attention and it was graet to all be in one area together. The ZATI stand was the biggest yet - and was decorated in a casual Zanzibar style with rugs and cushions. There was chai, halwa or coffee refreshemnts for our visitors, and we hosted our own cocktails - with Zanzibar sbacks f mishkaki, prawns andd fish barbeque - on the Saturday Evening. With many thanks from ZATI to the following people who helped us – Eleanor Griplas, Safari Blue – for donating items for the beach display, for providing mishkaki for the ZATI cocktail party, and for helping to man the stand during the day.Rose and Fritz from Hakuna Matata – for providing fish for the ZATI cocktail party and for assistance with cooking and planning.Chris from Ras Nungwe – For assistance with the barbeque at the ZATI cocktail party.Javed Jafferji – For lending items from Zanziabr Gallery for the ZATI stand. Also thanks to the ZATI members who helped to sponsor the main cocktail event at the Arusha Hotel on Friday evening – Neptune Hotels, Al Johari, Zanzibar Gallery, Zan Air. |
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