| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 15/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 44 |
| Copyright: Other |
Cultural trail: Zanzibar makes an attractive alternative to Mombasa in Kenya
Cultural trail: Zanzibar makes an attractive alternative to Mombasa in Kenya
Island update: by Matthew Bond
Zanzibar looks to shed twin-centre reputation
Destination makes stand-alone move
ZANZIBAR, long regarded as a second-stop destination following safaris in Tanzania and Kenya, is now emerging as a destination in its own right according to tour operators.With the development of new hotels such as the Blue Bay Beach and Sultan’s Palace on the east coast and the publication last year of a dedicated Tanzania/Zanzibar brochure by Kuoni, the small east African island is beginning to establish itself as a stand-alone destination alongside other tropical paradises, such as Mauritius and the Seychelles.
Somak managing director Stuart Britton said:”Compared with Mombasa, there is not a great deal to do outside the hotels but if you enjoy the slow pace of life, you could happily spend two weeks there.”
Zanzibar is seen by operators as an attractive alternative to Mombasa, combining the cultural capital Stone Town with the world-class beaches in the north and east.
Britton sees the island as “the next logical step” from the Kenyan coast and is planning to introduce more hotels, especially in Stone Town where Somak currently only offers the Zanzibar Serena Inn.
“There are more guest houses than hotels but there’s so much character there, some are very quaint, with each room being different,” said Britton.
Somak offers five nights at the Blue Bay Beach with flights from Heathrow via Nairobi on Kenya Airways for £639 or £909 for 14 nights half-board.
Kuoni product manager Ellis Jones said the publication of its dedicated brochure has helped increased awareness among customers.
“Stay-put holidays on Zanzibar are increasing for people who are looking for an idyllic getaway. It has a lovely relaxing atmosphere and probably some of the best beaches in the world,” said Jones.
However, while Somak and Kuoni are pushing Zanzibar as a stay-put destination, other operators continue to primarily sell the destination in combination with a safari in mainland Africa.
Carrier reservations manager Sharon Sanz said clients do not usually book a two-week holiday.
“It appeals to a mixture of customers – those in their 30s, honeymooners, water sports enthusiasts and also backpackers – but I can’t imagine what you would do with your time for two weeks, unless you’re into scuba diving,” she said.
Abercrombie and Kent Planning manager Jayne Smith agreed: “It is a popular extension to a safari in Kenya and Tanzania but we don’t feature it as a destination in its own right,” she said.
Abercrombie and Kent, which currently features five properties on the island, sells the Serena Inn in Stone Town from £660 per person, bed and breakfast as a three-night extension from a Tanzania safari.
While operators may differ on whether Zanzibar is a single or twin-centre destination, they agree about its attractions that include deserted beaches,interesting culture and a welcoming atmosphere.
“Agents can sell it with 100% confidence that customers will get what they pay for, maybe more,” said Jones.
Island paradise: Zanzibar is perfect for people who enjoy the slow pace of life
selling points: zanzibar
l Daily flights from Heathrow via Nairobi where passengers change aircraft with Kenya Airways for a 1hr 20min flight
* Good water sports. The clear visibility and warm waters make it ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, suitable for beginners and experienced divers. Indeeper waters, divers can spot barracuda, tuna and kingfish.
* Zanzibar is charming and very relaxed with friendly people. Clients need to be sensitive to the local Muslim culture in Stone Town
* It has 25 white sand beaches, many of which are deserted. There are also several off-shore islands that clients can visit, such as Changu, a short trip from Stone Town.
* Stone Town is a designated United Nations World heritage site with mosques and bustling bazaars.