Project Summary:

Tourism+Zanzibar is a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping the Zanzibar tourism sector into a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable engine of economic growth. This project will address systemic challenges exacerbated by global shocks (like COVID-19 and climate change), unlock economic opportunities for local communities, and promote Zanzibar as a premier, sustainable tourism destination rooted in its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

By focusing on inclusivity, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and community-led experiences, Tourism+Zanzibar seeks to create a diversified tourism economy that benefits all Zanzibaris—especially youth, women, and marginalized groups.

Project Objectives:

• Build a resilient tourism infrastructure that can adapt to global shocks, climate change, and shifting market demands.
• Promote inclusive growth by increasing the participation of women, youth, and local entrepreneurs in the tourism value chain.
• Enhance the sustainability of Zanzibar’s natural and cultural assets through responsible tourism practices.
• Improve the visitor experience via digital innovation, service quality enhancement, and curated community-led tourism.
• Strengthen market access and visibility of Zanzibar globally as a unique, safe, and culturally rich destination.

Key Components and Activities:

Resilient Infrastructure & Green Investment

• Eco-resilient upgrades for heritage sites, beaches, and marine parks.
• Climate-smart transport links and signage in rural and coastal tourism hubs.
• Solar-powered tourism facilities in remote islands.

Community Engagement & Capacity Building

• Training 5,000 local youth and women in tourism, hospitality, and business development.
• Establishment of 25 community-based tourism cooperatives.
• Grants and micro-financing for local tourism startups.

Sustainable Tourism Development

• Certification and monitoring system for eco-friendly accommodations and tours.
• Conservation partnerships for coral reefs, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Anti-plastic and zero-waste campaign targeting the tourism sector.

Digital Transformation

• Zanzibar Tourism Digital Hub (apps, booking platforms, experience mapping).
• Smart tourism data system for visitor trends, preferences, and feedback.
• Online marketing campaign: “Zanzibar Beyond the Beach.”

Policy, Governance & Investment Climate

• Tourism policy reform for sustainability, equity, and investor confidence.
• Public-private coordination council for strategic tourism development.
• Investment forums and matchmaking events for local/foreign investors.

Target Beneficiaries:

• 30,000+ local residents engaged through employment, training, and enterprise support.
• 500+ MSMEs supported or integrated into tourism value chains.
• Tourism authorities and policymakers benefiting from improved policy and tools.
• 1 million+ annual visitors experiencing higher-quality, sustainable tourism services.

Expected Outcomes:

• 40% increase in community-based tourism initiatives.
• 25% reduction in tourism-related environmental degradation.
• 60% rise in digital bookings and visitor engagement.
• $50M in new tourism-linked investments by 2028.
• Zanzibar ranked among Africa’s Top 5 Sustainable Tourism Destinations.

Project Duration:

5 years (2025–2030)

Estimated Budget:

Category	Cost (USD)
Infrastructure & Green Investment	$12,000,000
Community Training & Empowerment	$5,000,000
Sustainability & Conservation	$4,000,000
Digital Innovation & Marketing	$6,000,000
Policy, Governance & Investment	$3,000,000
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning	$2,000,000
Contingency & Admin (10%)	$3,200,000
Total Estimated Budget	$35,200,000

Funding Strategy:

• Public Sector Investment (Zanzibar Government, regional bodies)
• Development Partners & Donors (UNDP, World Bank, AfDB, GIZ)
• Private Sector Co-investment (local hotels, eco-resorts, investors)
• Tourism Development Fund & Levies

Why Now?

Tourism remains one of Zanzibar’s top economic sectors, yet it is vulnerable to external shocks, lacks inclusivity, and underutilizes the full potential of local communities and cultural heritage. Tourism+Zanzibar is a timely intervention that aligns with Zanzibar Vision 2050, SDGs, and Africa’s Agenda 2063.