Tourists who will arrive in the Zanzibar Islands must know that alcohol reserves are in danger, becoming a luxury product.
Last year, Zanzibar was ranked in the top ten best holiday destinations in Africa. Hoteliers are now warning, however, that problems with alcohol stocks could lead to the region losing its tourist appeal, the BBC reports.
Zanzibar, paradise without alcohol Archive The truth
In Zanzibar, a predominantly Muslim territory, local production of alcohol is prohibited. Alcohol prices rose by almost 100% after the supply chain was disrupted by changes in import sources.
The initial shortage occurred earlier in the year when the Zanzibar Liquor Control Agency (ZLCB) delayed the renewal of import contracts for three well-established companies in the region – One Stop, Scotch Store and ZMMI. It is not yet clear why the licenses of these three firms, which have supplied alcohol to Zanzibar for over two decades, have not been renewed.
To be able to obtain a license, importers must be of Zanzibar origin, have an empty tax record, own warehouse and delivery vehicles. In addition, they must pay an annual fee of 10 thousand euros.
Tourism generates 90% of the foreign income of the Tanzanian archipelago, a well-known luxury destination.
The region's tourism minister recently resigned, citing “difficult working conditions”. However, there are indications that his resignation may be related to this alcohol shortage.
Several hotels along the beaches of Matemwa in the north of Zanzibar's main island have started selling only non-alcoholic soft drinks, and tourists in the area say they have to walk to the nearest town, Stone Town, to buy drinks alcoholic.
“We're running out of beer at my bar, and now I'm only stocked with soft drinks. The government must act. It's peak season now, it's very hot, and tourists need cheer, cold beer on these beaches”says a bar owner from Zanzibar.
Most of the alcoholic products sold in the archipelago come from the rest of Tanzania, some of which is also imported from South Africa.
