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| Zanzibar aims to boost global tourism with improved infrastructure and enhanced services. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a bold move likely to stir debate across the tourism sector, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato) has voiced strong opposition to a new Zanzibar policy requiring all foreign tourists to purchase inbound travel insurance.
The rule, which takes effect from October 1, mandates that all non-resident visitors must pay $44 for the insurance alongside an e-Visa. This has prompted a sharp rebuke from key industry players, with Tato Chairman Wilbard Chambulo calling it "an irrational and needless duplication" that could tarnish Zanzibar’s image as a top travel destination.
Speaking to journalists, Chambulo did not mince words, describing the mandatory insurance as an unnecessary burden on tourists. He pointed out that most international travelers already have coverage through their insurers, making the Zanzibar policy redundant.
“It's rare for foreign tourists to travel without insurance, so imposing this requirement is a needless duplication," Chambulo remarked, adding that travel agents worldwide are puzzled as to why tourists must purchase additional insurance through a government-run entity.
Chambulo also emphasized that while ensuring tourists are insured is crucial, it should be done with flexibility. “The government’s role should be to confirm that visitors have adequate insurance coverage, not dictate the provider or price,” he asserted.
He warned that the policy, in its current form, appears more like a hidden tax than a genuine effort to protect travelers. "At $44, the fee may not deter many tourists, but it's the principle. It creates an unnecessary impression that the government is exerting control over what should be a private sector matter," he said.
The Tato chairman suggested that Zanzibar could introduce a more palatable alternative, such as a conservation fee that could fund tourism development or bolster healthcare infrastructure. “Tourists would be more inclined to support such a fee, knowing it contributes to the local environment or infrastructure, rather than a redundant insurance policy,” Chambulo argued.
Questions were also raised about the role of Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), the exclusive provider of the new insurance coverage. Chambulo queried whether ZIC is acting as a commission agent in this setup, asking, “If yes, how much of the $44 is ZIC retaining?” He expressed concerns about market fairness, stating that "market forces should determine these aspects, or we risk signaling to the world that Zanzibar is reverting to monopolistic practices in sectors like health and insurance."
The Zanzibar government, however, maintains that the policy is a necessary measure to safeguard travelers from potential risks during their stay. The mandatory insurance will cover up to 92 days and include benefits such as emergency medical expenses, repatriation, and baggage loss, among other contingencies. The government has further warned that failure to comply could result in denial of entry at immigration checkpoints.
Officials argue that the insurance provides comprehensive protection for tourists, covering emergencies like illness, evacuation, or accidents, and is vital for ensuring the safety of visitors. The non-renewable policy requires those staying longer than 92 days to purchase a new plan.
While authorities insist the move is about enhancing visitor protection, industry insiders like Chambulo remain unconvinced, fearing the policy could do more harm than good for the island’s burgeoning tourism sector.
As the October deadline looms, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the tourism industry—and travelers themselves—will respond to this contentious new rule.
Tourism is the lifeblood of Zanzibar’s economy, contributing nearly 30% of its GDP and providing employment to a significant portion of its population. The idyllic archipelago is renowned for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites such as the iconic Stone Town—a Unesco World Heritage site.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists from across the globe flock to Zanzibar, generating vital foreign exchange and supporting local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and artisanal markets.
The island’s tourism boom has spurred investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and transportation, creating a ripple effect that benefits virtually all sectors of the economy. However, the mandatory insurance policy, critics argue, risks disrupting this momentum by adding a layer of complexity and potential costs that could discourage potential visitors.
Zanzibar is working to balance the demands of its booming tourism sector with legitimate safety concerns, but industry players like Tato warn that missteps could jeopardize the island’s hard-won reputation as one of Africa’s premier travel destinations. The stakes are high for an economy so heavily dependent on tourism, where even minor policy changes could send ripples through the industry and have lasting effects on local livelihoods.
Tourism is not just a key economic driver; it is the foundation for many small businesses and community ventures that rely on the steady influx of international visitors. Any miscalculation in policy could lead to a decline in visitor numbers, impacting both the industry and the local communities that thrive on the economic benefits tourism provides.