Zanzibar Tourism Licensing Goes Digital: New Online System Launches March 2025
Dar es Salaam – The Zanzibar tourism sector is set to undergo a significant digital transformation with the introduction of an exclusive online licensing system starting March 2025. All tourism operating licenses will now be processed digitally, marking a major step towards enhancing sector efficiency and transparency.
Under the new system, existing licenses issued before March 3, 2025, will remain valid until their expiration date. However, all new applications and renewals must be submitted through the official online portal.
Tourism businesses, including tour operators, guides, accommodation providers, and service providers, are required to obtain and renew their licenses digitally. Business owners must print and display their online-issued licenses at their business premises.
The commission is urging stakeholders to register early to avoid potential last-minute processing delays.
This digital initiative comes at a promising time for Zanzibar’s tourism industry. January 2025 saw 84,069 international visitors, representing a 14.4 percent increase from the same period last year. European tourists dominated the market, accounting for 73.9 percent of total visitors.
Italians led the visitor demographics at 13.9 percent, followed by Polish travelers at 9.7 percent. The data reveals a slight decline from December 2024’s 91,611 visitors but signals continued growth in the tourism sector.
