Zanzibar cracks down on growing Airbnb market with new rules

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Zanzibar Ministry of Tourism and Heritage in cooperation with the Zanzibar Tourism Commissionhas implemented regulations for non-hotel tourist accommodation due to the increase in the number of private residences used for accommodation. These regulations aim to ensure safety, quality and proper business standards.

Key provisions

Registration requirements

All non-hotel accommodation must register with the Tourism Commission to ensure it meets business standards. Registration fees vary by region, from Sh150,000 for Mjini Magharibi to Sh250,000 for other areas.

Compliance and penalties

Accommodations must comply with specific regulations, and licenses can be revoked for violations. Penalties for noncompliance range from $1,000 to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to five years.

Approved areas

Approved non-hotel accommodation areas in the Mjini Magharibi region include Stone Town, Mlandege, Fumba, Bububu, Chukwani and Mbweni.

Benefits and challenges

Stakeholder Engagement

The regulations encourage local involvement in tourism and address infrastructure challenges, particularly on Pemba Island. Stakeholders are advised to establish unified bodies to effectively present their concerns to the commission.

Ensuring the safety of

These regulations aim to ensure the safety of tourists and improve the quality of accommodation, thereby preserving the attractiveness of Zanzibar as a peaceful and attractive tourist destination.

Application

The new Zanzibar Tourism Commission regulations aim to legalise non-hotel accommodation facilities, as well as ensure that they meet required standards and contribute positively to the tourism sector.