Zanzibar Joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council to Bolster Sustainable Tourism Efforts
ZANZIBAR TAKES A PIVOTAL STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM BY JOINING THE GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNCIL. ITS COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT SIGNALS A NEW ERA OF RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL.
Zanzibar, an enchanting archipelago nestled off East Africa’s coast, has become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Its main island, Unguja, features Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its bustling markets & intricate wooden doors.
Each island in the Zanzibar archipelago contributes to its rich biodiversity and cultural tapestry. The fusion of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences creates a vibrant mosaic evident in its cuisine, music, and daily life, making Zanzibar a truly unique destination.
Zanzibar’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment
At ITB Berlin 2023, Zanzibar unveiled its Sustainable Tourism Declaration, endorsed by President H.E. Dr. Hussein A. Mwinyi. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, the declaration emphasizes sustainability across five key areas, including
- Sustainable Food Practices
- Effective Waste Management
- Ecosystem Restoration
- Promotion of Local Culture
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Zanzibar aims to strike a balance between its burgeoning tourism sector and the conservation of its natural and cultural heritage. By prioritizing responsible tourism development, the island seeks to ensure economic benefits are equitably distributed, supporting local businesses, empowering women and youth, and advocating for engagement with local products and services.
Partnership with GSTC
Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, Principal Secretary of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, underscores the importance of the partnership with GSTC in advancing sustainable tourism practices. Through collaborative efforts, Zanzibar seeks to safeguard its treasures for future generations while fostering environmentally friendly and socially beneficial tourism.
Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, welcomes Zanzibar’s Ministry of Tourism and Heritage into the council. By adhering to sustainability principles, tourism can preserve natural and cultural wonders, stimulate economic growth, and promote cultural exchange and harmony.
GSTC encourages destinations to embrace sustainability in tourism development and management. By joining as GSTC members and applying the GSTC Destination Criteria, destinations can work towards certification, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for tourism.
About the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Zanzibar
The Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Zanzibar plays a vital role in promoting and managing tourism while preserving Zanzibar’s historical and cultural sites. Committed to economic growth and poverty reduction, the ministry ensures the preservation of history for future generations.
About GSTC
GSTC is responsible for establishing and managing global standards aimed at promoting sustainability within the tourism industry. These standards, known as the GSTC Criteria, comprise three sets tailored for various stakeholders: Destination Criteria for policymakers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, and MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions. As an independent, neutral 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in the USA, the GSTC boasts a diverse and global membership, including governments, travel companies, NGOs, and individuals, all dedicated to achieving sustainable tourism best practices.
