New licensing system to eases costs for Zanzibar tourist vehicle operators

Unguja. Tourist vehicle operators in Zanzibar are set to enjoy significant cost reductions following a government decision to overhaul the licensing system, a move expected to save businesses up to Sh1.3 million annually.

Under the current arrangement, operators pay a daily licensing fee of Sh5,000, translating to around Sh1.8 million per year. However, starting November 1, 2025, they will have the option to acquire licenses for longer durations—paying Sh100,000 for one month, Sh300,000 for three months, or Sh500,000 for an entire year.

Tourism and Heritage Minister Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga announced the changes, saying the reforms aim to support local investors and curb fraud in the sector.

“This shift will open more opportunities for locals while helping eliminate impostors who have been hiding under the daily licensing system and engaging in illegal activities that jeopardise the tourism sector,” he said.

Soraga added that the daily licensing model has been widely criticised for its inefficiency, as it often required operators to stop frequently for checks. The government plans to introduce a special digital system to monitor compliance under the new regime.

Reacting to the changes, Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) Chairman Suleiman Ali Mohammed welcomed the move, describing it as a relief for local businesses.

“Costs have been reduced significantly. This is the right time for locals to seize the opportunity because fees have dropped by over 70 percent,” he said.

Zanzibar shines at global travel event

Meanwhile, Zanzibar has been recognised as a leading tourism destination after winning two major accolades at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA), held recently in Dar es Salaam.

The islands secured titles for “Africa’s Leading Beach Destination” and “Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination,” outperforming other renowned tourist spots such as Bazaruto in Mozambique, Cape Maclear in Malawi, Cape Town in South Africa, and Diani Beach in Kenya.

“These awards highlight Zanzibar’s growing prominence as a world-class beach and cultural destination,” said Minister Soraga, crediting the victory to joint efforts by the government and tourism stakeholders.

He described the awards as not merely honorary but strategic tools that elevate Zanzibar’s global reputation and attract more visitors.

The WTA, established in 1993, recognises excellence in travel and tourism and is considered one of the industry’s top honours.

Soraga further revealed that efforts are underway for Tanzania—and potentially Zanzibar—to host the WTA global ceremony in 2026, a development he said could bring substantial economic and international benefits.

“This would be a historic event that would enhance both the economic value and global standing of our islands,” he noted.

Stakeholders who participated in the awards praised the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector that led to Zanzibar’s triumph.

Valerie Mansis, General Manager of Zanzibar White Sand Hotel, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it has boosted enthusiasm for promoting sustainable tourism on the islands.