The Zanzibar Tourism Commission and the Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators (ZATO) conducted a special familiarization trip (Fam Trip) on February 6, 2025, to the historic ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara in Lindi Region.
The visit is part of efforts to expand Tanzania’s tourism market by promoting cultural and historical sites to attract more visitors.
Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism through the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), the tour aims to strengthen collaboration between Zanzibar and mainland tourism destinations.
It also provides stakeholders with firsthand experience of key attractions and investment opportunities while discussing strategies to enhance global tourism promotion.
Participants included representatives from TAWA, such as Senior Assistant Commissioner for Business Hamza Hassan, along with Mohammed Walid Fikirin from the Zanzibar Tourism Commission and Thabit Abdulrazak Abdulrahman from ZATO.
Discussions focused on marketing Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with other attractions like Pande Game Reserve, Kunduchi Ruins, and Wami-Mbiki Game Reserve.
The goal is to attract more international tourists and boost the sector.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and TAWA, to integrate Zanzibar with mainland tourism offerings.
It marks an important step in promoting cultural, historical, and nature-based tourism while supporting sustainable economic growth.
