Tanzania's Zanzibar to enhance visitor experience with new insurance fee
Zanzibar has introduced a new $44 insurance fee for all incoming travellers, effective from September 1, 2024, in a bid to improve the overall visitor experience.
The $44 insurance fee provides travellers with up to 92 days of coverage, including protection for health emergencies, lost baggage, and accidents among others.
According to Dr. Saada Mkuya Salum, the Minister of Finance, this new measure is part of the government's broader strategy to enhance services for tourists.
"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. This is not a new concept; when we travel elsewhere, we also pay for travel insurance,” she stated.
The insurance will be managed by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, a government-owned entity to ensure streamlined service provision.
In Zanzibar, incidents have occurred in Stone Town, at hotels, and on popular tourist beaches across the island. Bag snatching is a common tactic used by criminals, often operating from cars or motorbikes. When walking on the street, it's advisable to walk facing the traffic so you can see approaching vehicles.
While the government believes this initiative will boost tourism by providing added security and peace of mind, some tour operators have expressed concerns. They fear that the additional cost might deter potential visitors, making Zanzibar 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 and spoke with The Citizen.
The government is positive about the new development as Zanzibar has set an ambitious target of attracting 800,000 visitors in 2024.
