ZATI training of tourism police at Madema
The ZATI Chairman and former Executive Secretary Helen Peeks (Chumbe Island), met with the Regional Police Commander Mr Bakari Shaban and 35 tourism police. The seminar covered the importance of tourism in Zanzibar, the issue of licensed and unlicensed petty traders (also known as ‘papasi’ or ‘beach boys’), problems experienced by tourists (e.g. police harassment) and advice for the police on what to do when tourists make mistakes in their behaviour (e.g. during Ramadan) or if they are wearing clothes that could be considered offensive to Zanzibaris.

During the training four key points were emphasised:

• Tourism brings income to Zanzibar.
• Tourists should be treated as guests and dealt with using a friendly manner.
• Unlicensed beach boys who operate in Stone Town (Kenyatta Road), Kiwengwa and Nungwi are a nuisance to society; ZATI believe they should be regulated and places identified where they can operate in a safe environment, where a friendly approach to tourists is encouraged.
• Tourism police are the face of Zanzibar; they should be better equipped to deal with tourists through more training opportunities.

ZATI Chairman, Simai Mohammed Said speaking to the tourism police

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.