Zanzibar Unveils Ambitious Tourism Plan with Focus on Heritage Preservation and Investment Attraction

Strategic Insights -

Zanzibar's Ministry of Tourism and Heritage has outlined a comprehensive agenda for the 2025/26 financial year aimed at boosting the archipelago's tourism sector. The ambitious plan entails increasing international tourist arrivals, strengthening cultural heritage preservation, and enhancing investor confidence. The government has requested a total of Sh 45.032 billion to implement these initiatives, which include infrastructure rehabilitation, policy reforms, and improved security in tourist zones.

The efforts to restore dilapidated buildings in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a critical area of focus. Despite allocating Sh 9 billion in the 2024/25 budget, no funds had been disbursed by March 2025. A renovation project targeting 10 buildings has commenced, with major repairs already underway on four of them. Additionally, the ministry aims to enhance the capacity of the Tourism Police Unit, complete regulatory framework reviews, and establish the Museum and Heritage Authority.

Tourist arrivals have surged by 65 percent over the past four years, reaching 737,775 in 2024. The growth has been attributed to the government's aggressive promotion efforts, as well as the active involvement of the Tourism Commission and private stakeholders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Zanzibar government has requested Sh 45.032 billion to implement tourism initiatives, including infrastructure rehabilitation and policy reforms.
  • The renovation project targeting 10 buildings in Stone Town has commenced, with major repairs already underway on four of them.
  • Tourist arrivals have surged by 65 percent over the past four years, reaching 737,775 in 2024.
  • Heritage tourism has gained momentum, with 37,036 visitors touring historical sites in 2024, including 23,418 foreigners, 2,393 Tanzanian locals, and 11,180 students.
  • Efforts to control noise pollution, curb unauthorized tourism-related businesses, and ensure adherence to tourism regulations have been intensified through District Tourism Committees and the Tourism and Diplomacy Police.
  • The ministry has reported underfunding for recurrent expenditures across departments during the current financial year, which has delayed several development programs.
  • A parliamentary committee chairperson has urged the government to partner more closely with the private sector to develop historical sites and attract long-term investment.

Statistics:

  • Tourist arrivals have surged by 65 percent over the past four years.
  • Tourist arrivals in 2024 totaled 737,775, a 15 percent increase from 2023 figures.
  • Heritage tourism has gained momentum, with 37,036 visitors touring historical sites in 2024, including 23,418 foreigners, 2,393 Tanzanian locals, and 11,180 students.
  • The government has requested Sh 45.032 billion to implement tourism initiatives.
  • The renovation project targeting 10 buildings in Stone Town has commenced, with major repairs already underway on four of them.
  • 620 patrols were conducted by tourism police between July 2024 and March 2025 across hotspots, including Kizimkazi, Jambiani, Nungwi, Kendwa, and the broader Urban West Region.

Sources:

  • Unguja, Zanzibar: The Ministry of Tourism and Heritage press release, citing Minister Tabia Maulid Mwita's presentation to the House.
  • Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority, citing a recent survey on dilapidated buildings in Stone Town.
  • Infinity Foundation, cited by parliamentary committee chairperson Said Saleh Salim as an example of international donors supporting redevelopment projects in Stone Town.