GSTC High-Level Workshop sponsored by EU concluded successfully in Zanzibar

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) High-Level Workshop successfully concluded on the 28th of August, 2024, in Zanzibar. The event sponsored by the European Union (EU) and done in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage of Zanzibar, brought together over 50 participants from different ministries.

The workshop was officially opened by Engineer Zena Said, Chief Secretary of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government, and Dr. Aboud Jumbe, Principal Secretary for Tourism and Heritage, as well as Fatma Mabrouk Khamis, Principal Secretary for Trade and Massimiliano Pedretti, Programme Manager Energy, Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania. Throughout the day, participating principal secretaries and their deputies, as well as members of the secretariat of the Chief Secretary, engaged in discussions and presentations focused on advancing sustainable tourism in Zanzibar.

Key presentations included an overview of the GSTC and its Assurance Program presented by GSTC CEO, Randy Durband, and insights into Türkiye's Sustainable Tourism Program presented by Professor Halil Burak Sakal, GSTC Trainer. Diana Körner, GSTC Trainer, who gave an overview of the GSTC Criteria for destinations and highlighted criteria of particular relevance for policymakers. The workshop ended with a brief group discussion on Zanzibar's sustainable tourism roadmap.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Chief Secretary Zena Said, who stated that the workshop had been an eye-opener for her, highlighting the next steps to take to ensure a common strategy and clear policy direction. The workshop ended with a field visit to Chumbe Island, Zanzibar's international sustainable tourism pioneer, where participants were able to visit its off-grid eco architecture and engage in discussions with the island team.

"Zanzibar's sustainable tourism journey is timely and as the European Union we are very proud to be part of its support. We are committed to fostering sustainable tourism practices that not only protect the environment but also ensure long-term economic and social benefits to the people of Zanzibar. This workshop, which brought together key actors, was a promising step in the right direction," said Massimiliano Pedretti, on behalf of the EU Ambassador to Tanzania.

"The successful conclusion of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) High-Level Workshop on August 28, 2024, marks a significant milestone in Zanzibar's sustainable tourism journey. This workshop, which brought together Principal Secretaries and their deputies from various ministries, is a critical foundation for the future of sustainable tourism in Zanzibar. By bringing all policymakers into one room, we have created a shared understanding of the importance of sustainable tourism and how it can contribute to Zanzibar's long-term growth and environmental and social protection. This workshop sets the groundwork for accelerating this journey, ensuring that tourism policies align with global standards and the vision for a sustainable future. As we move ahead, we look forward to hosting similar workshops, engaging members of the Cabinet, the House of Representatives, senior government officials and most importantly the private sector groups ranging from tour operators, tour guides, hospitality sector, and aviation to name a few . These collaborative efforts will be vital in ensuring that Zanzibar remains at the forefront of sustainable tourism development, fostering a coordinated and inclusive approach across all levels of government." said Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, Principal Secretary, Minister of Tourism and Heritage of Zanzibar.

"Seeing this workshop come to fruition with the endorsement and participation of Zanzibar's Chief Secretary shows the strong political will and commitment towards sustainable tourism transformation in the country. I look forward to implementing the Sustainable Tourism Training Program for public sector representatives over the next months and to continue to support this promising momentum," said Diana Körner, GSTC Trainer.

The successful completion of this workshop marks a significant step forward in Zanzibar's commitment to sustainable tourism development. Zanzibar became a GSTC Member in May 2024.