Africa-Press – Tanzania. The President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has outlined four reasons why citizens should back tourism investment on the island: boosting the national economy, creating jobs, securing markets for local products, and raising government revenue.
Dr Mwinyi noted that the presence of major hotel projects helps attract more tourists, which in turn enhances citizens’ economic well-being.
He made the remarks on Saturday, August 16, 2025, during the inauguration of Zan Breeze Beach Resort in Kikungwi, South Unguja.
“I call on citizens to support tourism investment because we want to grow the economy, create jobs, provide markets for local products, and generate tax revenue for the government,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He observed that the status and image of tourism have evolved rapidly, leading to a surge in home-rental projects and service providers.
The President said the government has attracted investment in the hotel sector, with 202 projects worth $2 billion registered with the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA).
He explained that these projects have contributed to a rise in tourist arrivals from 260,644 in 2020 to 736,755 in 2024, representing a 64.6 percent increase.
“Of the 202 registered projects, 105 are in South Unguja, showing that this region has opened up to tourism,” he said.
Dr Mwinyi further stated that the 2023 Zanzibar Investment Law has successfully protected local investors by lowering capital requirements for tourism investments.
Under the law, all investments valued at $100,000 qualify as local, compared with the previous thresholds of $500,000 for tourism and $300,000 for other sectors.
This adjustment has enabled many locals to fully participate in the tourism industry and contribute to the implementation of the national policy.
The ZIPA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Saleh Saad Mohamed, said the project cost Sh10 billion and includes six villas with 33 rooms, two restaurants seating 70 guests, a large swimming pool, a gym, and a conference hall.
He added that the project is among 512 registered over the past five years, has a three-star rating, costs $6 million, and is expected to create 26,000 jobs for citizens.
Investor Prite Ashok said the hotel marks a new development chapter for the area, aiming to boost the country’s economic value.
He added that the project began by supporting the Kikungwi community with social services, including road construction and school improvements.
“This is a new era for residents because we care and will ensure their challenges are addressed collaboratively. The project will increase economic value for these citizens,” said Mr Ashok.
The Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Labour, Economy and Investment, Mr Shariff Ali Shariff, said the project has revitalised the local area, improving its landscape and aesthetics.
For More News And Analysis About Tanzania Follow Africa-Press
