Zanzibar Lawmakers Demand Increased Funding for Underfunded Tourism Sector

Lawmakers in Zanzibar are raising alarms over the chronic underfunding of the island's tourism sector, which has only received 29-46% of its allocated funds. This financial shortfall has prompted calls for increased funding to support the sector's growth and sustainability.

Among the vocal advocates for increased funding are Miraji Khamis Mussa, Yussuf Hassan Iddi, and Mohamed Ahmada Salum. These lawmakers argue that the current funding levels are insufficient to meet the sector's needs, especially given the significant role tourism plays in Zanzibar's economy.

Tourism is a significant economic driver for Zanzibar, attracting visitors from around the world to its pristine beaches, historic sites, and rich culture. However, the sector's potential is hampered by inadequate financial support, which affects everything from infrastructure development to marketing efforts.

In comparison, Tanzania as a whole has seen significant growth in its tourism earnings. In 2023, the country received $3.4 billion from travel receipts, a 36% increase compared to the previous year. The government aims to reach $6 billion in receipts from five million tourist arrivals by 2025. However, there are concerns about the retention of these earnings within the country.

Why this matters: The underfunding of Zanzibar's tourism sector has significant implications for the island's economy and local communities. If not addressed, it could lead to stunted economic growth, reduced job opportunities, and decreased revenue for the government.

An analysis by the Africa Project Research Institute indicates that African countries retain only approximately 20-45% of total holiday package earnings. This means that a significant portion of tourism revenue is either repatriated overseas or remains abroad, limiting the economic benefits for local communities.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Tanzania has proposed a budget of Sh348.125 billion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, which is 46.5% less than the previous year's budget. This budget will fund various development projects, including an online safari booking system aimed at addressing revenue losses.

Despite these efforts, the underfunding of Zanzibar's tourism sector remains a pressing issue. Lawmakers like Miraji Khamis Mussa, Yussuf Hassan Iddi, and Mohamed Ahmada Salum continue to advocate for increased financial support, emphasizing the sector's importance to the island's economic future.

The call for more funding is not just about boosting tourism numbers but also about ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt by local communities. Adequate funding could enhance infrastructure, improve marketing, and lead to sustainable growth in the long run in the tourism sector.

To recap, the underfunding of Zanzibar's tourism sector is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Lawmakers are urging for increased financial support to harness the full potential of tourism and ensure its benefits are widely distributed.

Key Takeaways

• Zanzibar's tourism sector receives only 29-46% of allocated funds.
• Lawmakers advocate for increased funding to support sector growth.
• Tourism is a significant economic driver for Zanzibar, but underfunding hampers growth.
• African countries retain only 20-45% of total holiday package earnings.
• Inadequate funding affects infrastructure, marketing, and local community benefits.