The program is informed by a situational analysis of demand and supply factors to determine those aspects of the tourism industry in Zanzibar that require further development. The emphasis is on broadening involvement of local people and how the current mix can be enhanced to deliver both a richer experience for visitors and greater benefits for residents.
In the development of the MTDP, four fundamental principles without which the tourism industry will not develop to its full potential were taken into consideration. Though it might not be specifically highlighted in each section, these fundamental principles are woven throughout the program. The following aspects were taken into account:
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Product development: Tourism products and experiences will be developed based on an analysis of the identified demand, gaps in supply and Zanzibar’s unique qualities. This includes cultural and historical attractions, activities such as soft adventure, accommodation, meeting spaces and other facilities. The program also considers and identifies opportunities that exist specifically for local communities, emerging entrepreneurs and SMMEs.
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Tourism investment framework: The program requires government intervention in tourism in the form of delivery on hard infrastructure rather than product provision. It provides recommendations on community-public private partnership (CPPP) and public sector support and facilitation of projects delivering empowerment to communities.
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Tourism marketing framework: The program identifies core tourism products and experiences and matches these to target market segments through a well-designed positioning and branding strategy and a promotion and communication strategy. In particular, this will take advantage of online opportunities for promotion given the internet’s paramount influence on the choices of holidaymakers.
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Responsible tourism: Tourism will be developed along the triple bottom line principles of profit, people and planet taking account of economic, social and environmental concerns.
1.5 Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives of this Program provide the framework for determining the most appropriate projects to best improve the visitor experience in Zanzibar. Equally, they serve as guideposts to provide long-term direction to the MDAs that will ultimately be charged with managing the wide range of activities associated with the development of tourism in Zanzibar. Although the duration of this program is three years, the goals and objectives will remain valid and provide guidance beyond that initial period and influence subsequent planning and activities.
The goals and objectives of this program are proposed within a framework of four major thematic areas. Each of these areas represents core components or key elements of a successful MTDP. No single thematic area can be considered of greater importance than another and each has an important, and often mutually supportive, role to play in the development of a balanced and comprehensive program.
The four major elements are:
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Marketing and Promotion: Development of marketing strategies, public awareness campaigns and branding programs that promote Zanzibar to a wide audience and increase the number of visits.
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Products, Infrastructure, Facilities and Services: Development of efficient transportation and safety and security systems, recreation and thematic tours, interpretation facilities, information centres, amenities (water, electricity, etc.), connectivity and visitor support within the country.
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Conservation and sustainability: Development or enhancement of preservation mechanisms, programs and initiatives for local jurisdictions, preservation organisations and individuals to improve conditions for long-term resource stewardship and protection.
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Tourism Governance: Policies and legal instruments related to tourism to be systematised and organised, to resolve conflicts and overlapping jurisdictions, making the law clear and enforceable and reducing excess bureaucracy in procedures within the tourism industry. Creation and deployment of standards and regulatory instruments covering minimum quality requirements for products and services to be fulfilled by service providers, companies, facilities and professionals in tourism.
Many of the proposed projects identified in Chapter 4 bring together government agencies, businesses, and private organisations in partnership to preserve and promote tourism resources for the benefit of residents and visitors. These projects will play a key role in shaping the future success of the Zanzibar as a unique place to visit, work and do business. The re-development of tourism products, improvement of connectivity, rehabilitation and improvement of the water supply system and creation of a tourism marketing bureau are just a few of the nearly twenty projects that have been identified and will be considered for implementation as part of the MTDP.
1.7 Platform of coordination and Implementation
Accomplishing the many objectives identified in this program requires a cooperative effort among many partners and the commitment of significant financial resources from a variety of sources. The MTDP proposes the creation of a “delivery unit” under the President’s Office which will effectively serve as a “governing organ” that can better support program implementation. Public workshops and community presentations will be used as tools to inform the residents during the implementation of the program.
Chapter 2: Situation analysis
This chapter reviews the historical and present day position of tourism in Zanzibar from the angles of each of the four thematic areas: marketing and promotion; tourism products, infrastructure, facilities and services; conservation and environmental sustainability; and tourism governance.
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