Tanzania: Zanzibar Hotel Happy With Business As Tourism Grows

By Hassan Ali

Zanzibar — A Zanzibar-based hotel has expressed its business optimism in the archipelago as tourism grows in Tanzania.

Diamonds La Gemma dell'Est, the largest property of Planhotel Hospitality Group in Zanzibar, says the business has been impressive and that they have not been impacted by the current political situation.

"The group is facing some challenges in Kenya with our beach resorts on the coast but we are pleased to report that the Zanzibar tourism industry is maintaining its momentum and we look forward to a healthy season ahead," says Maggie Louw, regional sales and marketing manager.

Tourism is Tanzania's largest foreign exchange earner, which generated $2.24 billion in the year ending September 2015, up from $1.96 billion previously, according to data from the Bank of Tanzania.

Tanzania received 1,063,000 tourists in 2013 and the number has been increasing.

The resort recently received Environmental Champion Award from Touristik Union International (TUI, the largest German tour operator.

"We are looking ahead with continued investment, committed tax payers with full sense of utility", said Mr Andrew Cook, La Gemma's General Manager at a function of crowning the group for the only business to meet the TUI standards.

"Our vision at Diamond La Gemma dell'Est is dedicated to encouraging responsible tourism through the conservation of our natural resources and a commitment to educate our staff to make a difference in the lives of others," he adds.

"Through the implementation of various environmental, social and human resources initiatives we are committed to implement responsible and sustainable practices to protect the environment and develop the youth of the future," says TUI service delivery team manager East Africa, Mr Tim Remberg.

La Gemma, supports fully the non-profit organization 'Rinaldo Gasparini Foundation' which founded and manages a maternity clinic in Kendwa, the neighbouring village to the hotel location in Nungwi constituent.

The clinic provides free specialized health care to children from the neighboring areas to improve the quality of life and to enable successful healthy futures.