Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has urged Tanzanians to seize the growing opportunities in the tourism sector, saying the government is committed to creating a competitive environment for both local and foreign investors.
He made the remarks on Saturday while inaugurating the Zanbreeze Beach Resort and Spa in Kikungwi, South Unguja Region.
Dr. Mwinyi said the resort is a testament to the partnership between government and local entrepreneurs in stimulating economic growth and creating jobs for young people.
“The government will continue to improve the business climate so that local investors are able to compete effectively with their foreign counterparts,” Dr. Mwinyi said.
According to him, Zanzibar’s tourism industry has recorded significant progress, driven by an increase in visitor arrivals.
Data from the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) shows that 202 projects worth $2 billion have been registered, helping to boost tourist numbers from 260,000 in 2020 to 736,000 in 2024.
Of these, 105 hotel projects are located in South Unguja Region, making it the leading area for investment in the sector.
Dr. Mwinyi further said the government has strengthened the Zanzibar Investment Authority into a one-stop service centre.
With the use of digital systems, investors can now register projects and obtain investment certificates within 24 hours, provided all requirements are met.
He added that the government has also enacted the 2023 investment law to protect local entrepreneurs. The legislation enables Tanzanians with modest capital to enter the tourism sector, meet investment requirements and benefit from emerging opportunities.
“The increase in tourist arrivals reflects the broader growth of our economy and rising tax revenues across key sectors,” Dr. Mwinyi noted.
He, however, appealed to investors and communities to adopt environmentally friendly practices in large-scale projects, stressing the importance of sustainable tourism for the benefit of current and future generations.