Zanzibar cracks down on booming Airbnb market with new regulations | kbnmart

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Ministry of Tourism and Heritage of Zanzibar, together with the Zanzibar Tourism CommissionThe General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities has implemented special controls for non-hotel tourist accommodation due to the increase in the number of private residences used for accommodation. These rules aim to ensure safety, quality and sound work standards.

Main Regulations

Registration requirements

All non-hotel accommodation must register with the Tourism Authority and ensure that they meet business standards. Registration fees vary by region, with Sh150,000 in Mgeni Mgaribi and Sh250,000 in other regions.

Compliance and Penalties

Accommodations must comply with specific regulations, and licenses may be revoked if they are not met. Penalties for non-compliance range from $1,000 to $5,000 or up to five years in prison.

Approved areas

Approved areas for non-hotel accommodation in the Mgine Mgaribi area include Stone Town, Mlandiji, Fumba, Bubobo, Tshokwane and Mbweni.

Benefits and Challenges

Stakeholder engagement

These regulations encourage local participation in tourism and address infrastructure challenges, particularly on Pemba Island. Stakeholders are advised to form unified bodies to effectively present their concerns to the Commission.

Safety assurance

These regulations aim to ensure the safety of tourists and improve the quality of accommodation, thus maintaining Zanzibar’s appeal as a peaceful and attractive tourist destination.

Conclusion

These new rules, put in place by the Zanzibar Tourism Commission, aim to legitimise non-hotel accommodation, ensure it meets the required standards and contributes positively to the tourism sector.