Tourism in Zanzibar

Tourism in Zanzibar includes the tourism industry and its effects on the islands of Unguja (known internationally as Zanzibar) and Pemba in the United Republic of Tanzania. Tourism is the top income generator for the islands, outpacing even the lucrative agricultural export industry. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6135886.stm Zanzibar islands ban plastic bags] BBC News, 10 April 2006 ] The government plays a major role in promoting the industry, with the official government tourist page stating "The Vision of the Government of Zanzibar regarding tourism is “To become one of the top tourism destinations of the Indian Ocean, offering an up market, high quality product across the board within the coming 17 years”. [ [http://www.zanzibartourism.net/index.htm ZanzibarTourism.net] ] The main airport on the island is Zanzibar International Airport, [ [http://www.zanzibartourism.net/byair.htm Zanzibar Commission for Tourism | Travel to Zanzibar | By Air ] ] though many tourists fly into Dar es Salaam and take a ferry to the island. [ [http://www.zanzibartourism.net/bysea.htm Zanzibar Commission for Tourism | Travel to Zanzibar | By Sea ] ]

Attractions

The principal grouping of attractions on Zanzibar are: coastal tourism, terrestrial wildlife, dhow cruising and spice tours.

tone town

main|Stone TownZanzibar's capital is the historical Stone Town, home to much of Zanzibar's tourism industry. It is also a World Heritage Site. The town is home to numerous historical and cultural sites, including Makusurani graveyard (where many of the islands previous Arab rulers are buried), House of Wonders (a four story building which was the first place on the islands with electrical lights), Hamamni Persian Baths (the first public baths on the island) and the Peace Memorial Museum, which serves a national historical museum detailing the island's long history. [http://www.zanzibartourism.net/historicalsites.htm ZanzibarTourism - Historical Sites]

Coastal tourism

Zanzibar is home to large amounts of beaches and clear Indian Ocean water, as well as coral and limestone scarps which allow for significant amounts of diving. [ [http://www.zanzibartourism.net/coastalheritage.htm Zanzibar Commission for Tourism | Attractions | Natural Heritage | Coastal Heritage ] ]

Picture gallery

References