The Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) advocates for a sustainable and responsible tourism industry – and is in its 19th successful year as the voice of the tourism private sector. It is a non-governmental, non-religious, and non-political organisation, established to represent the interests of all tourism investors in Zanzibar. It is managed by an executive board of twelve members,
a Director, an administration assistant, and guided by a board of trustees and an honorary board. ZATI has around 100 members, and broadened its base to encompass more tourism support industries, more Zanzibar-owned hotels and tour companies, and encouraged smaller businesses and wider geographical spread around the island. Members represent all areas of the tourism sector including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, airlines, wholesale suppliers, fashion, and souvenir retail gift shops, printers and publishers, healthcare, security, and business services. The aim of ZATI is to ensure a sustainable and professional tourism industry of the highest standard, working with private and Government institutions to achieve this. ZATI has had many achievements over the years and helped to make significant improvements to the business environment. Past achievements, ZATI concluded its review of the security and judiciary system as the legal reform process has now identified key amendments to the evidence decree and criminal procedures act. Some of these amendments were those advocated by us in our report, and the concluding report will be published shortly. There was a clear focus on pushing for changes to the VAT Amendment and ZATI in dialogue with the Ministry of Finance, TRA & ZRB in order to push for improvements. Further to this, ZATI has just been awarded funding to complete a review of the tax regime, which will be presented to the government, following a public consultation, and aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Zanzibar. ZATI launched the Responsible Tourism Tanzania initiative in Zanzibar, with assistance from the British High Commission. ZATI is consistently involved in the Public / Private Tourism dialogue to produce private-sector papers and presentations for H. the President, at the Zanzibar Business Council. The association is constantly lobbying for members' issues and makes consistent progress which influences governmental decisions. ZATI has regular Strategic Plan updates reflecting current needs in the industry. Government relations include meetings and think tanks on subjects of police, security, airport, and electricity. ZATI Annual Dinner Party – The event of the year, showcasing all our activities
Representing Zanzibar at International responsible tourism conferences
Assistance at international tourism trade fairs – Karibu Fair, WTM and Indaba
Why does ZATI do what it does? ZATI works firstly to support its members' interests and thereby protect the largest ad fastest-growing private sector industry - and one of the largest contributors to the economy and employment in Zanzibar. This is achieved via the involvement of members, sponsors, and the Government.The improvements that ZATI call for, on behalf of its members, about policing and security, utilities, environment, taxation, skills, and airport/seaport facilities, destination marketing are all essential to a sustainable tourism industry. ZATI works alongside public and private partners to help develop responsible and sustainable tourism, and although there are signs of improvement towards Public Private Partnerships, more work needs to be done as this is critical for the success of the tourism industry. ZATIs finances are mainly from members’ fees - as well as contributions from sponsors. This funding enables ZATI to cover the operational costs of running our small office (including salaries of a director and administrative assistant) and to allocate funds to advocacy projects and events that help support the needs of members – and benefit the wider community. What benefits do I get from joining ZATI? Joining ZATI means that you are at the forefront of the tourism private sector pushing the Government for change – and getting first-hand information of the latest developments. Members are also invited to participate in stakeholder meetings and public consultations so that the voice of ZATI members is heard. Currently, ZATI advocates for improvements to: Safety & security, Taxation, Utilities: water, waste & electricity, Skills and Destination marketing
ZATI membership entitles members to the following:
- The right to vote, and to be voted for, in any election of the association
- To receive all services and communications offered by the association
- To be assisted in solving business issues
- To lodge disputes or conflicts for help of resolving and settlement
- To have access to business information and various relevant reports and research findings. Joining ZATI will also give you access to a community of tourism-related businesses. Members can find and share information, promote products/services via our member database, website, Facebook and news update. Members can also take part in travel events and conferences. How can I become a ZATI member? ZATI asks of its members that they offer a quality tourism product in their field of expertise, uphold high standards of business ethics, respect the customs of Zanzibar, follow all labour, fiscal and environmental regulation, and where possible actively buy locally and employ locally by encouraging projects that involve or benefit their local community. Annual membership is offered to Zanzibar registered companies operating in the tourism sector, holding valid business licenses issued by the Government, and are registered with the TRA and ZRB. Membership fees are below. Number of Employees Membership Fees
5 and under $100
6 -10 $250
11 - 50 $450
51 - 100 $600
101 - 150 $750
Over 150 $850
How can I sponsor ZATI? Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) - Sponsors with specific CSR are able to sponsor advocacy projects - and capacity building. Businesses looking to sponsor ZATI events can take part in the annual dinner party, which is one of the main social events in the Zanzibar calendar. There are around 160 guests including a well-known Guest of Honor and several representatives from different areas of Government. This is a popular event for members as it is their best opportunity to network, to hear about the year’s achievements and future challenges of ZATI. Benefits for sponsors include not only fulfilling their own CSR, but also benefit from a captive audience of tourism investors, brand/product exclusivity, presentation opportunities, use of ZATI database, logos on PR materials and inclusion in media activity, and senior representatives at the top table with main VIPs at events. Sponsorship packages can be tailor-made to suit
