Zanzibar cracks down on Airbnb-type rentals

The government in Zanzibar has announced new restrictions for non-hotel tourist accommodation.

The new regulations have been created in response to the growing popularity of Airbnbs and private residences being used by tourists, according to the African Travel and Tourism Association.

Under the new restrictions, accommodation providers will need to register with the Zanzibar Tourism Commission, after which they will be inspected by the Commission and, if successful, will receive a licence.

The registration fee varies by region, but ranges from TZS150 000 to TZS250 000 (R1 000 to R1 690). The properties must meet certain business standards and licences can be revoked for violations.

The new laws are similar to New York City’s Local Law 18, which requires Airbnb hosts to register at the Mayor’s office. The laws in New York drove up hotel rates as Airbnbs were vastly curtailed.  The effect of the laws reduced the number of operating Airbnbs by 83%. In August 2023 there were 22 247 apartments in NYC on Airbnb, but by March 2024 there were only 3 705.