THE KIZIMKAZI Festival offers a valuable opportunity for Unguja South Region to enhance its appeal as a leading tourism destination, the Zanzibar authorities believes. President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi made this remark at the launch of the 2024 Kizimkazi Festival here yesterday, affirming that it has a role in transforming the economy.

The week-long festival plays a significant role in providing an addition attraction for tourists visiting Zanzibaro during the northern summer, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan expected to grace the closing ceremony.

To boost tourist numbers, the government has created special events to draw visitors, improving existing attractions like usable caves, beach outlays and unique wildlife, he said.

Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage and historic buildings, plus ancient religious sites like the Kizimkazi mosque are key factors in attracting international visitors, he said, urging greater engagement by the Unguja South Region authorities.

They can work with the local community and public institutions to further enrich the festival, marketing this event domestically and outside, he said, praising residents in the district for valuing the festival.

He said they had taken up opportunities associated with the event each year, while the regional leadership can use the festival as a platform to showcase investment opportunities.

“Promote investment opportunities in your region,” he said, pointing at extensive potential for marine investments so that these resources can be effectively utilised for the benefit of the people and boost government revenues.

Private sector investors, particularly hotel operators could collaborate with the government in improving visitor facilitation, itself an aspect of the government’s development goals. 

Increasing tourist numbers contributes to national revenue via taxes and fees, creating employment opportunities for Zanzibar youth, he pointed out, assuring investors that the government remains committed to facilitating investment activities.

The key spheres are tourism, industry and commerce, he asserted, while Mohamed Mchengerwa, the Union state minister for Regional Administration and Local Governments in the President’s Office (PO-RALG) urges cross channel efforts.

He said that officials in the Mainland and Zanzibar need to liaise on development efforts across various sectors, to leave a lasting impact for current and future generations.

He praised President Mwinyi’s efforts in education, health, road infrastructure and water as projects directly touching lives of the people.

Hindi Juma Ramadhan, the Kizimkazi Festival committee secretary, said that despite achievements recorded since the festival’s inception eight years ago, Kizimkazi village faces challenges such as inadequate clean and safe water services, limited electricity and a shortage of health care employees.

Other challenges include land disputes between residents and investors while moral decay bites as well, he added.