Zanzibar Boosts Tourism Investment with New Beach Resort, Targeting Economic Growth
Zanzibar’s President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi has championed tourism investment as a critical strategy for national economic development, highlighting four key benefits: economic growth, job creation, local market expansion, and increased government revenue.
During the inauguration of Zan Breeze Beach Resort in South Unguja, Dr. Mwinyi emphasized the transformative potential of tourism investments. “We are calling on citizens to support tourism investment as a pathway to economic prosperity,” he stated.
The tourism sector has shown remarkable progress, with registered projects increasing to 202, valued at $2 billion. Tourist arrivals have surged by 64.6 percent, climbing from 260,644 in 2020 to 736,755 in 2024. Notably, 105 of these projects are concentrated in South Unguja, signaling significant regional development.
A pivotal change came with the 2023 Zanzibar Investment Law, which lowered investment capital requirements. Now, investments valued at $100,000 qualify as local investments, compared to previous thresholds of $500,000 for tourism and $300,000 for other sectors. This policy adjustment enables broader local participation in the tourism industry.
The newly launched Zan Breeze Beach Resort represents this investment vision, featuring six villas with 33 rooms, two restaurants, a swimming pool, gym, and conference hall. The $6 million project is expected to generate approximately 26,000 jobs and is designed to support the local community through infrastructure and social service improvements.
By prioritizing tourism investment, Zanzibar is strategically positioning itself as an attractive destination for economic growth and sustainable development.
