UNGUJA. A sweeping reform of Zanzibar’s tourist vehicle licensing system promises to cut annual costs for operators by more than 70 percent, offering a major relief for small and medium-sized businesses in the sector.
Starting November 1, 2025, tourist vehicle operators will be able to purchase long-term licenses under a new payment structure that replaces the current Sh5,000 daily fee. Instead, operators can now choose between Sh100,000 for one month, Sh300,000 for three months, or Sh500,000 for a full year—down from a total of Sh1.8 million annually.
Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, announced the reforms earlier this week, emphasizing that the changes are designed to empower local investors, increase efficiency, and combat fraud within the industry.
“This shift will open more opportunities for locals while eliminating impostors who misuse the daily system to engage in illegal operations,” Soraga explained.
The old system often led to delays and frequent stops for compliance checks, undermining the experience for both drivers and tourists. The Ministry also plans to launch a digital monitoring platform to ensure compliance and increase transparency.
Reacting to the announcement, Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) Chairperson Suleiman Ali Mohammed called the move “a lifeline” for local businesses.
“It’s a game-changer. Operators now have a real chance to grow, thanks to the reduced overheads,” he said.
Zanzibar Shines at 2025 World Travel Awards
In another milestone for the archipelago, Zanzibar bagged two major titles at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) in Dar es Salaam, winning Africa’s Leading Beach Destination and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination. The islands beat out iconic names like Cape Town, Bazaruto, and Diani Beach.
Minister Soraga hailed the accolades as proof of Zanzibar’s rising international profile, crediting the success to strong public-private partnerships and growing interest in the island’s blend of pristine beaches and vibrant cultural life.
“These awards are more than symbols. They are strategic assets that elevate our brand and draw global attention,” Soraga remarked.
He also hinted that Zanzibar may co-host the WTA Global Ceremony in 2026, a potential first for the region, saying it would “cement Tanzania’s place as a premier tourism powerhouse.”
Valerie Mansis, General Manager of Zanzibar White Sand Hotel, echoed the excitement, stating that the awards have inspired renewed commitment among stakeholders to push forward sustainable tourism.
As the sun sets over the spice-scented coasts of Zanzibar, both policy innovation and global recognition are setting the stage for an even brighter future in tourism.
