What next after Mwinyi accepts Simai’s resignation?
What you need to know:
- Simai's resignation, following a year marked by significant success for Zanzibar's tourism sector, has inevitably led to speculation about the reasons behind his decision.
Unguja. President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, has accepted the resignation of Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Simai Mohammed Said.
While the official statement issued today, January 26, 2024, cites Article 129 of the Zanzibar Constitution as the basis for the acceptance, whispers of a deeper story abound.
Simai's resignation, following a year marked by significant success for Zanzibar's tourism sector, has inevitably led to speculation about the reasons behind his decision.
In his video statement, later confirmed by the government spokesperson, Simai attributed his resignation to his belief in the importance of ministerial roles in supporting the President's agenda, as outlined in the CCM party manifesto.
He cited the "unfavourable environment" hindering his ability to fulfil this duty and emphasised the need for swift action to ensure continued development for Zanzibaris.
However, some observers speculate that Simai's resignation offers a myriad of reasons. The timing has fueled rumours of pressure from within the government, with some sources opining that he was increasingly undermined by his juniors and officials at the state house.
It leaves a critical vacancy in Zanzibar's leadership at a crucial juncture. The search for his replacement will be closely watched, with stakeholders eager to see who will be entrusted with the vital task.
President Mwinyi's next move will be key in determining the future of Zanzibar's tourism sector. Whether he chooses continuity or opts for a fresh perspective will have significant implications for the island's economy and the well-being of its people.
One thing is certain: Zanzibar's tourism industry is at a crossroads. Simai's departure, while shrouded in some mystery, marks a turning point.
The path forward will require decisive action, innovative strategies, and an unwavering commitment to restoring Zanzibar's appeal as a premier tourist destination.
Reports from Zanzibar say that the number of international arrivals increased to 70,186 in December 2023, compared to 57,296 visitors recorded in November.
Zanzibar's Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) said on Thursday that 638,498 international tourists visited Zanzibar in 2023, up from 548,503 who visited in 2022.
The Zanzibar OCGS head of services provisions division, Mr Bakar Khamis Kondo, told a press conference that arrivals from Europe continued to dominate the market by 72.3 percent of the total visitors last month.
“Italy led by sending in more tourists by 12.3 percent of all arrivals, followed by France and Poland,” he said, noting that most visitors (90.8 percent) used aeroplanes to visit Zanzibar, while the rest used sea ferries.
