Tourism's Growth On The Effects Of Economic Growth In Zanzibar

The role of tourism in the economic growth and the progress of modern societies has become awareness economically throughout the world. For this reason many attempts are being made in order to develop tourism. It is acceptable fact that tourism is an economic activity of primary value and importance for many countries.Tourism is important due to its influence in foreign exchange, employment, market expansion, infrastructure improvement; and its economic benefits to local communities. However, it may have some negative effects such as cultural effects.This study has examined the effects of growth of tourism on Zanzibar's economic growth, tourism benefits to local people and tourism effects to Zanzibar's culture. Zanzibar opened its doors to the tourism sector mainly in 1980s after the fall of clove's price in the world market. Now tourism is traditionally counted as a second pillar of the economy in Zanzibar and it contributes about 14% of GDP and expected to grow up to 21% by 2012.Specifically, the study tested three hypotheses.These are:-The improvement of tourism sector has high contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of Zanzibar, local people of Zanzibar benefited from growth of tourism and culture of Zanzibar is being affected by tourism.The study's findings showed that the improvement of tourism have a significant contribution to the economic growth of Zanzibar, the local people benefited from tourism and the culture of Zanzibar was to a certain extent being affected by tourism. Although the study findings indicated that tourism has significant contribution to the economic growth, tourism can be a more potential economic sector to Zanzibar. The important thing is for the Government to rectify all weaknesses mentioned and putting in actions (in policy implications) those suggestions provided, like improvement of infrastructure and the uses of participatory approach for current and future development of Zanzibar.