‘Zanzibar is looking to welcome more avid travellers from India’

Thursday, 06 October, 2016, 15 : 25 PM [IST] Of late, India has emerged as one of the top source markets for Zanzibar. Jilesh Himat Babla, Director, Zanzibar Tourism Promotion Centre, India, speaks to TravelBiz Monitor about the varied offerings of Zanzibar for FITs, MICE travellers and adventure-seekers.

Q.How do you view India as source market for Zanzibar? A. Since the last couple of years, India is viewed as one of the foremost target markets by Zanzibar. The establishment of the Zanzibar Tourism Promotion Centre in India is an evidence of the importance accorded by the Zanzibar Government to the Indian market. Q. Why did you decide to focus on the Indian market at this juncture? A. We have been working on promotions in the Indian market since a long time, however, we decided on stepping up the efforts after the visit of our President in 2014. India and Indians have been a huge source of inspiration and support and has made a very solid impact on our culture, language, food etc. We would love to receive more Indian tourists who are avid travellers as well as adventure-seekers. Q. Which destinations and products are you promoting in the Indian market? A. Zanzibar Island is divided into Unguja and Pemba. These along with the world’s best natural wildlife safaris in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and several other national parks and game reserves in mainland Tanzania, along with mountain climbing at Mt. Kilimanjaro - the world’s tallest free standing mountain, are some of the products which we are promoting in India. Q. Which market segments are you looking at tapping in India? A. Our tourism offerings and products can cater to FIT’s, honeymooners, high-end luxury, destination weddings, sports & Adventure Tourism (diving, golf, football & cricket) and small/medium MICE movements. Q. What are the USPs of Zanzibar? A. The history of the island, specifically Stone Town in addition to the most amazing coastline and outstanding resorts are some of the USP’s the Indian traveller will be astonished to witness. For those who’d like an extension - mainland Tanzania offers the ultimate safari experience. We also have the underwater room in Pemba, dolphin safaris and whale sightings for the highly adventurous. Q. What are the MICE facilities in Zanzibar? A. Conference and accommodation facilities for small and medium size MICE groups are widely available. Zanzibar also offers a fairly good nightlife. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital is highly vibrant with casinos and a host of entertainment options.