Zanzibar Tourism Training Institute in Maruhubi, recently transferred to the Ministry of Tourism
Zanzibar has taken a significant step toward strengthening its tourism sector following the official transfer of the Tourism Training Institute to the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage—a move expected to enhance skills development and drive sustainable industry growth.
The handover, which took place at Maruhubi, marks a strategic shift in aligning tourism training directly with sector priorities. Speaking during the event, the Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Ms Lela Mohammed Mussa, emphasized the importance of improving management, infrastructure, and overall learning environment at the institute.
She noted that transforming the institute into a modern and attractive facility will not only elevate its status as a centre of excellence but also position it as a tourism attraction in its own right.
“The transition followed all necessary procedures and will enable the institute to better deliver on its mandate of training and developing skilled professionals for the tourism sector,” she stated.
Strengthening Skills for a Growing Industry
Previously operating under an academic arrangement linked to a higher learning institution, the institute has now been repositioned to operate more closely within the tourism ecosystem. This shift is expected to enhance practical training, industry relevance, and responsiveness to market demands.
Acting Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, highlighted that the institute has already entered into an international collaboration with a cultural training institution from Oman. The partnership is aimed at fostering cultural exchange while enhancing tourism expertise and global exposure.
He added that ongoing development plans for the institute will:
- Expand training capacity
- Create employment opportunities for youth
- Prepare graduates for both local and international tourism markets
The curriculum is also expected to focus more on practical skills, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to deliver high-quality services across hospitality, guiding, and tourism operations.
Driving Quality and Innovation
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with private sector players to improve standards across the tourism value chain.
He noted that the transfer will:
- Strengthen training systems
- Promote innovation in tourism services
- Enhance service quality and competitiveness
This collaboration is expected to play a key role in positioning Zanzibar—and Tanzania at large—as a preferred global tourism destination.
Expanding Opportunities for Youth
From the education sector perspective, officials acknowledged that the institute was originally established to support tourism development, making the transfer a natural step toward fulfilling its core mandate.
The move is also expected to deepen public-private partnerships and expand youth-focused initiatives aimed at building capacity, creating jobs, and supporting entrepreneurship within the tourism industry.
What This Means for Tourism
This development signals a broader shift toward professionalization and specialization in tourism training in Tanzania. By placing the institute under the tourism ministry, the government is ensuring closer alignment between training programs and real industry needs.
For stakeholders, this translates into:
- Better-trained professionals
- Improved service delivery
- Stronger confidence among international visitors
Outlook
As Zanzibar continues to invest in human capital and institutional capacity, the strengthened role of the Tourism Training Institute is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sector.
With tourism remaining a key pillar of economic growth, such initiatives are expected to drive long-term sustainability, enhance global competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities across the tourism value chain.
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