Zanzibar Boosts Tourism with New Waste Management Plan

Zanzibar Tourism Commission Advances Sustainable Waste Management

Public Awareness Campaign Launched Ahead of July 1 Initiative

Zanzibar – The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) has initiated a broad public awareness campaign as part of its Waste Management Program, set to be officially launched on July 1, 2025.

This initiative is a crucial component of the broader Greener Zanzibar and Sustainable Tourism campaign, championed by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, underscoring the importance of environmentally responsible tourism in preserving Zanzibar’s natural beauty and maintaining its global appeal.

Promoting Sustainability in Zanzibar’s Tourism Industry

“Tourism in Zanzibar thrives on our unique natural and cultural assets. However, for too long, sustainability has remained optional. It is imperative to make sustainable practices a requirement to ensure the continued success of Zanzibar’s tourism sector,” stated Arif Abbas Manji, Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT).

To reinforce this vision, the campaign has leveraged various communication channels, including media outreach, local leadership engagement, and quarterly stakeholder meetings with key tourism sector representatives. These efforts aim to educate businesses on the importance of eco-friendly practices, particularly in waste management.

Hotels and Businesses Embrace Eco-Friendly Standards

Many hotels and restaurants have proactively aligned with the campaign’s principles, showcasing their commitment to environmental sustainability.

"If we do not act now, we risk long-term harm to both our environment and economy. Our goal is to create a Zanzibar where tourism growth is harmonized with ecological responsibility," Manji added.

New Waste Management Mandates for Tourist Establishments

Despite extensive awareness efforts, some businesses have been slow to adopt proper waste management measures. Under the new initiative, tourism enterprises will be required to:

• Train staff on waste sorting, recycling, and disposal.
• Segregate and store waste properly, including organic and recyclable materials.
• Partner with licensed waste collection providers to ensure efficient and professional disposal.

To further facilitate compliance, ZCT will provide training programs for hospitality workers, establish clear waste management policies, and optimize waste collection logistics.

Strict Enforcement and Compliance Measures

Failure to adhere to these waste management regulations may result in substantial penalties, including the potential revocation of business licenses. This enforcement strategy is designed to ensure full compliance and instill a culture of sustainability across the tourism sector.

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

Zanzibar’s Waste Management Program represents a significant milestone in the island’s sustainability efforts, reinforcing its ambition to become a leader in eco-conscious tourism.

By integrating responsible waste management into its tourism framework, Zanzibar is taking decisive action to protect its environment, ensure long-term prosperity, and set a global benchmark for sustainable travel destinations.