The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced that the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism has joined the alliance as a destination member.  “We are pleased to welcome the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism to ICTP,” said Juergen T. Steinmetz, Chairman of ICTP, “This marks the 4th member to join our alliance from Tanzania, demonstrating this country’s commitment to the tourism sector.”

The government of Zanzibar aims to become one of the top tourism destinations of the Indian Ocean, offering an up market, high-quality product across the board within the coming 17 years. Its mission regarding tourism development is to be the most exotic, diverse island destination in the Indian Ocean region.

Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of two main Islands of Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, along with about 51 other surrounding small islets. Zanzibar is known as the majestic spice island of the Indian Ocean and is famous for its clove production. Most tour operators run spice tours, which take visitors to various coconut and spice plantations and smallholdings out the in the country. And as you stroll through historic Stone Town, you will find several shops selling spices along with wood carvings, Zanzibari chests, clothes, jewelry, paintings, and antiques.

Zanzibar also offers some of the best diving experiences in East Africa. Beach activities within the hotels range from volleyball to horse riding, while many have dive schools, windsurfing schools, kitesurfing, pentanque, and skittle. Unguja and Pemba are endowed with some of the best and most varied dive sites in the world, with diving courses catering for the novice up to Dive Master Standards. Diving from a boat in the clear, blue ocean off Zanzibar is one of the most exhilarating experiences to be had on a holiday in this part of East Africa. The visibility is usually very good, the water warm, and the marine life diverse and innumerable.