Unguja. Visitors travelling to Zanzibar will now have to pay an insurance fee of $44 (about Sh118,360) with effect from September 1. The fee will cover them for up to 92 days during their stay on the island.
Speaking to The Citizen, the minister of Finance, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, explained that this new arrangement aims to enhance services for visitors to Zanzibar.
“The insurance will cover various aspects that have previously been problematic for visitors, such as health, loss of baggage, accidents, emergency evacuation, loss of passports, and even repatriation of remains in case of death,” Dr Mkuya said.
She also mentioned that the government will assign dedicated staff to manage this insurance coverage to streamline service provision.
She emphasised that requiring visitors to pay for insurance is not unique to Zanzibar, as it is a common practice in many other countries.
“This is not a new concept; when we travel elsewhere, we also pay for travel insurance,” she noted.
The insurance coverage will be provided by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, a government-owned entity, and will not take into consideration whether one has another travel policy from elsewhere.
Prior to this, travel insurance was not mandatory in Tanzania and other East African countries. However, the announcement has caused concern in the tourism industry, which is a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s economy.
Tour operators who spoke to The Citizen fear that the additional cost may make the island a more expensive destination.
“With all the good intentions that the government has in enhancing visitor experience on the island, this could drive our visitors away because of a chain of requirements that they have to abide by,” said one operator who preferred anonymity.
This new development comes at a time when Zanzibar has announced that it is targeting some 800,000 visitors in 2024.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
Ankaya Village: Experience active living and wise investment in Zanzibar
Ankaya Village offers more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle choice that’s as enriching as it is rewardingContinue Reading
Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
ALSO READ: NBC’s Saving Campaign Empowers Customers Nationwide
Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
How new crop insurance will change farmers’ fortunes
Initiative is a shot in the arm for agriculture, which is currently virtually uninsured with just 0.17 percent of all general insurance sales.Continue Reading
