Zanzibar gears up for second tourism expo, aims to attract 1,000 participants

Zanzibar gears up for second tourism expo, aims to attract 1,000 participants

Unguja. The Zanzibar Tourism Exhibition will return for its second edition this year, with an anticipated 1,000 participants set to converge on the island to showcase its diverse attractions and growth potential.

The event is scheduled for May 30-31, 2025, at the Nyamanzi Trade Exhibition Grounds.

The announcement was made on 15 January 2025 by Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Mr Mudrik Ramadhani Soraga.

In his statement, Mr Soraga said that the exhibition had been rescheduled to avoid clashing with the upcoming general elections, which required priority scheduling for related activities.

He highlighted that the inaugural tourism exhibition, held in October 2024 at the Dimani Exhibition Grounds, was a success, and the second edition will build upon its momentum, with a clear goal of promoting Zanzibar’s tourism sector.

“The exhibition presents an opportunity to showcase the breadth of Zanzibar’s offerings and bring us closer to international tourism standards,” said Mr Soraga, adding that the event is a key part of the government’s strategy to boost local tourism and attract visitors from across the globe.

He emphasised that Zanzibar’s tourism potential goes beyond its world-famous beaches, with efforts underway to diversify the island’s attractions.

“While our beaches are a key asset, there is a need to invest in a wide range of tourism products to keep visitors coming back,” he said.

Mr Soraga also addressed the recent suspension of Air France flights to Zanzibar, assuring stakeholders that it will not negatively impact the island’s tourism.

“Direct flights from Paris may have been affected, but other airlines continue to provide direct services to Zanzibar, keeping the flow of international visitors intact,” he explained.

In addition to showcasing Zanzibar’s rich tourism offerings, the exhibition aims to foster partnerships and investments in areas such as infrastructure, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism development.

The government remains committed to improving essential services like water supply, transportation, and public amenities to enhance the overall visitor experience.

The Zanzibar Investors Association (ZATI) Chairman, Mr Suleiman Mohammed, expressed confidence that the event would attract significant attention from international markets, particularly Asia, expanding the isle’s reach as a prime tourist destination.

One of the key organizers of the Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Show, Mr Javed Jafferji, also shared his excitement for the upcoming exhibition.

“This will be the largest event of its kind, highlighting Zanzibar’s tourism potential. With the support of key industry stakeholders such as ZATI, Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators (ZATO), Hotel Association of Zanzibar (HAZ), Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO),  the Zanzibar Tour Guide Association (ZATOGA), and Z Car Club Association (ZCCA). We are working together to ensure that Zanzibar takes its place as a leading tourism hub in the region,” he said.

As the countdown to the event begins, all eyes are on Zanzibar as it prepares to further cement its position as a global tourism destination.

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Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Tanzania Foreign Investment News
Chief Editor

Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease

Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.

President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.

“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”

A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.

“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.

WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.

“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”

Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.

“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”

Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.

In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.

Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.

Source: allafrica.com

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