Alcohol Shortage Hits Zanzibar, Threatens Booming Tourism Industry
The Spice Islands of Zanzibar are facing a shortage of alcohol, which threatens the tourism sector of one of Africa’s top travel destinations.
Hoteliers now warn that the problems with the alcohol supply might make the island lose its tourism shine.
Several tourist hotels along the Matemwa beaches in the north of Zanzibar’s main island are only serving soft drinks, and people in that area say they have to go to the main city, Stone Town, for alcohol.
Prices of beer have shot up by almost 100% after the supply chain was disrupted by a sudden change of importers.
The islands’ tourism minister resigned recently, citing poor work conditions. However, some have linked his resignation to the issues with alcohol supplies.
The Zanzibar Liquor Control Board (ZLCB) eventually granted licenses to three new importers in an attempt to fill the void.
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However, these newcomers have struggled to meet the high demand, further compounded by regulatory hurdles. Meanwhile, previous license holders, sidelined in the reshuffle, have appealed for permit renewal, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding crisis.
The initial shortage early this year began when the ZLCB delayed renewed permits for the three established importers: One Stop, Scotch Store, and Zmmi.
The shortage has resulted in empty shelves in local stores, and many hotels are now only serving soft drinks—a far cry from the usual tourist experience.
This has sparked concerns among hoteliers who fear the lack of alcohol availability may tarnish Zanzibar’s appeal. The potential job losses within the tourism sector, already reeling from the resignation of the island’s tourism minister over the brewing crisis, add to the growing list of worries.
These concerns are heightened by the recent surge in tourism, with record numbers flocking to Zanzibar from India and Russia. The urgency to resolve the alcohol shortage is palpable, with the future of Zanzibar’s tourism industry hanging in the balance.
