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.

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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.

=====================================================

ZATI,

February 2013.

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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.

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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

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ZATI Annual General Meeting 2012

The Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors  Annual General Meeting was held on 6^th 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 9^th 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.

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One Billion Tourists: One billion Opportunities -

New UNWTO campaign calls on one billion tourists to make their actions count

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:

1. Which tip will you commit to on your next trip? Vote nowhttp://1billiontourists.unwto.org/

1. Help us share the winning tip with millions. Join our Thunderclap campaign http://1billiontourists.unwto.org/

1. 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

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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) -

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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.

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Members of the Tanzanian women’s tourism group celebrated the annual World Tourism Day on tourist island of Zanzibar.

ZATI new employee Rehema Mwinyi and ZATI members attended this event, which took place last Saturday, saw members of the Association of Women in Tourism Tanzania (AWOTTA) and about 100 other travel and tourism stakeholders gathering in the archipelago to celebrate the global tourism day.

“We are holding this year’s celebrations in Zanzibar, the island with a reputation as one of Africa’s top tourism destinations”, the women’s tourism association leader, Mary Kalikawe, said earlier.

She told eTN that, while Tanzania as a nation celebrated this Day in Mwanza city on the shores of Lake Victoria, her members opted for Zanzibar, to express their affection to the beauty of the island that is among the most beautiful tourist islands in the world and a heritage site.

With a theme “Tourism and Sustainable Energy” set for this year’s World Tourism Day, organization members emphasized the concept of environmental quality, she said.

“Clean energy is not an option, but a mean for survival. Think of the impact of use of firewood for cooking, the discomfort that was caused by shortage of electricity supplies from Tanzania not far in the past”, Mary noted.

“We celebrated this day to encourage this support for quality and sustainability of our environment. Tanzania as a whole ought to invest in renewable energy and its consumption of renewable energy ought to increase”, Mary told eTN.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report, women make up an important percentage of the tourism workforce, but with lower incomes than the men employed in tourism.

The new UNWTO and United Nations (UN) Women report launched at the ITB Tourism Fair in Berlin last year indicated that greater gender equality will contribute to the overall quality of the tourist experience, with a considerable impact on profitability and quality across all aspects of the industry.

“This report highlights the crucial role tourism plays in empowering women politically, socially and economically,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Dr Taleb Rifai.

The report shows relevant data in five main areas: employment, entrepreneurship, leadership, education and community, comparable by regions.

Looking at the need for tourism development in Africa, the First Pan African Conference on Sustainable Tourism Management in National Parks and Protected Areas, organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will be held in Tanzania’s northern tourist city of Arusha in mid-October.

According to UNWTO, nature-based tourism or eco-tourism is a large and growing global industry, partially dependent upon the attributes of the natural environment and biodiversity wildlife and scenery which represent one of Africa’s strategic competitive advantages as a destination.

The conference aims to encourage professional approach to better position “park tourism” as one of the core components of overall national park management in Africa and to acquire an overview of the current challenges in terms of demand and supply chain.

By Apolinari Tairo, eTN Tanzania | Oct 02, 2012

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“As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2012, I urge all tourism stakeholders – governments, businesses and tourists themselves – to play their part in reaching the UN goal of achieving sustainable energy for all by 2030 and position tourism at the center of the clean energy economies of the future”.
Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General

Tourism plays a vital role in the economic development of the world it is the largest foreign exchange earner worldwide, the tourism industry employs a large number of people, both skilled and unskilled. It promotes national integration and international brotherhood.

UNWTO is the leading international organization in the field of tourism, Aim to promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. .

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide It was at its third session (Torremolinos, Spain, September 1979), that the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) decided to institute, commencing in the year 1980

World Tourism Day is to be commemorated on 27 September each year by appropriate events on themes selected by the General Assembly, on recommendation of UNWTO’s Executive Council. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism.

This year world tourism day The 2012 official World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrations will be held in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain under the theme “Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development”. Spain is among the top five countries investing in renewable energies worldwide and 20% of the energy consumed in Spain comes from renewable sources.

“ I wish to welcome you to our country, where I hope you will also have some time to enjoy our considerable natural and cultural heritage. We are very excited about the celebration of WTD on 27 September, which we have organized in collaboration with the UNWTO in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria. It is our hope that this date will constitute another step towards the recognition of the tourism sector’s crucial economic and social contribution and the importance of renewable energy for social, economic and environmental sustainability”
José Manuel Soria López, Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism of Spain

Tanzania is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world. It is enjoying a healthy growth rate per annum in tourism . From a foreign exchange earning point of view, tourism has the potential of beating other industries. Tanzanian Tourism sector has enormous growth potential despite some constraints on the part of its development. Hotels plays a major crucial role in promoting tourism. In terms of its natural resources, Tanzania is uniquely endowed with practically all the key attractions necessary for development of any successfully tourism industry. The attractions range from beautiful palm-fringed beaches, national parks and game reserves, historical sites, culture and traditions to natural wonders and beautiful scenery. There are 15 national parks and 35 game reserves which are heavily stocked with a wide range of flora and fauna, but with the exception of the “Northern Circuit” the Southern circuit embraces the well-known Selous Game Reserve, the Mikumi and Ruaha National parks with a lot of lions, and the under-utilized shores of Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika. Tanzania is home to the leading wildlife reserves including the largest national park in the world, Serengeti and the second highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kilimanjaro. All these provide for matches locations for investment.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town – said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.

There is a forest area called Jozani inhabited by the indigenous red colobus monkey, bush-pigs and small antelopes, civets. Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Zanzibar’s local people are a rich mixture of ethnic backgrounds, and the majority of Zanzibaris are Muslims, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (locally know as Kiswahili), a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birth- place of the language.

Apart from tourism, fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the local people. Zanzibar was once the world’s largest producer of cloves, and her economy was based on the large incomes thus derived. Although cloves are still a major export along with coconut products and spices, tourism has been ear-marked as the primary foreign exchange earner, with more visitors coming to Zanzibar each year.

Tourism in Zanzibar has increased at the rate of 8 percent average since 1983, when it started, and Zanzibar now received as many as 250,000 tourists per year. There are several art events which take place annually, including music, film, jazz, literary events, plus many ancient cultural traditions to be discovered. Stone Town, the capital, is an atraction in its own right, due to its interesting historical and architectural attractions. The majority of tourists are from Europe, and many also enjoy spice tours, city touris, snorkelling expeditions to outlying islets, fishing, diving the pristine coral reefs, and relaxing on the beaches and in the warm seas.

“This year, one billion international tourists will travel to foreign destinations. Imagine what one act multiplied by one billion can do. On this World Tourism Day, I appeal to all who work in and enjoy the benefits of this global sector to join in building a more sustainable future for all”.
Ban Ki-moon, UN Secreatry-General

ZATI wishes everybody happy tourism day 2012.

Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors.
“TRAVEL is More than the Seeing of Sights, it is a Change that goes on Deep and Permanent in the Ideas of Living”

Written by Rehema Mwinyi, ZATI intern, September 2012.

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