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Beer crisis in Zanzibar: Tourism minister resigns

In Zanzibar, an African country that generates approximately 90% of its foreign income from tourism, there is a 'beer shortage.' A sudden change among importers has disrupted the supply chain, resulting in a 100% increase in beer prices. Hoteliers warned that issues related to alcohol supply could detract from the island's appeal to tourism. Along the northeastern coast of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, in the Matemwe area, hotels lining the coast were reported to have run out of alcoholic beverages. While hotels are forced to serve non-alcoholic beverages, tourists are said to have to go to the city center to find alcohol. "GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION" Speaking to the BBC, one business owner said, "My bar is running out of beers, and all I have left is non-alcoholic drinks. The government needs to take action. We're in the summer season, the weather is very hot, and these tourists need cold beer on the beaches." An American tourist, who preferred not to share their name, said, "I love Zanzibar and its beaches. The people here are wonderful. The only challenge I feel is not being able to have a stiff drink. I want to get an alcoholic drink, but there's nothing in the hotel. They told me I have to order from the city center." HOW DID THE CRISIS BEGIN? In a country where the majority of the population is Muslim, alcoholic beverages are only sold in tourist areas. Most of the alcohol sold in the country is imported from Tanzania, with some coming from South Africa. The crisis began when the authorized body responsible for alcohol control in the country delayed the permits of three importers at the beginning of the year. It's unclear why the licenses of companies that have been supplying alcohol to the island for a long time were not renewed. Although the relevant institution granted licenses to three different companies, it was noted that these companies struggled to meet the demands of hoteliers. TOURISM MINISTER RESIGNS While it is stated that more than 3,000 people in the country could lose their jobs due to the crisis, Tourism Minister Simai Muhammed Said resigned citing 'negative working conditions.' Said's resignation is believed to be related to his statement accusing the relevant state institution of 'mismanaging the alcohol industry.' According to reports in the country's press, Said stated, "If we do not plan, including having enough alcoholic beverage stock, we will disappoint our visitors." Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi alleged that Said had a conflict of interest. According to the allegation, one of the companies whose licenses were not renewed had a relationship with Said's relative. ECONOMY BASED ON TOURISM AND SPICES Located across the bay from Tanzania in East Africa, Zanzibar consists of a total of 54 islands. The archipelago, dominated by a tropical climate, has two main islands: Unguja Island, where Stone Town is located, and Pemba Island, where clove spice trade is conducted. The economy is based on spice production and tourism, with a population of approximately 1.5 million. The official language of the island is Swahili, but English and Arabic are also spoken languages.

A flamingo paradise on the shores of Africa: Walvis Bay Lagoon

The Walvis Bay Lagoon, situated on the vast shore where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean, holds the distinction of being one of the most important coastal wetlands in the Southern Africa region. According to information obtained from the Walvis Bay Tourism Office by AA correspondent, each year, tens of thousands of migratory birds from over 150 species, including large and small flamingos, spend the summer months in the lagoon and the surrounding salt pans. Species such as pelicans, oystercatchers, cormorants, sandpipers, kingfishers, marsh harriers, and plovers are also among the regular visitors to this area. Flamingos and Shrimps The presence of a population of 'saltwater shrimps' in the shallow waters of the lagoon, along with the surrounding salt flats, makes this area especially attractive to flamingos. Flamingos, cooling off in the shallow waters of the lagoon throughout the day and simultaneously feasting on abundant shrimps, acquire their distinctive pink colors from the carotenoid pigment obtained from the shrimps they consume. Therefore, the colors of flamingos nourished in the shrimp-rich waters of Walvis Bay are observed to be exceptionally vibrant. Pink Lake Known as "Whale Bay" in Afrikaans, this region is among the best places to observe the migrations of dolphins and whale herds during the summer months. The area around the lagoon, extending 1-2 kilometers along the ocean coast, to the south of the lagoon, also hosts a large seal population. Adjacent to a salt factory and named after the color of its water, the "Pink Lake" is one of the most visited places by tourists in the region. The nearby fishing spot also offers interesting experiences for enthusiasts who want to catch fresh ocean fish. Transportation Walvis Bay is located approximately 35 kilometers from Swakopmund, Namibia's most famous coastal city. Regular flights to the local airport are available from Namibia's capital, Windhoek. Transportation from the capital to here is also possible via a 400-kilometer road journey. Access from Turkey to Namibia is typically facilitated through flights via South Africa and Ethiopia. In Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, there are accommodation options available to suit various preferences. While Namibia is considered one of the safer countries in the region, there has been an increase in crime incidents in recent years. The police advise tourists to exercise caution against theft and pickpocketing.

Seychelles building the world's largest saltwater floating power plant

According to the news of the Seychelles News Agency (SNA), one of the French renewable energy companies has started to work to build a floating power plant in the Providence region on the east coast of Mahe, the largest island of the country. With the project in which 5 megawatt photovoltaic solar energy systems will be installed, Seychelles will have the world's largest saltwater solar power plant. With a population of 99 thousand, the tourism country aims to get one step closer to its zero emission target with the project. The project, which will be supported by the Seychelles government, is planned to be completed within 7 months. It is reported that the power plant will not have a negative impact on underwater life and the environment. The country currently derives the majority of its energy needs from fossil fuels.

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Beer crisis in Zanzibar: Tourism minister resigns

A flamingo paradise on the shores of Africa: Walvis Bay Lagoon

Seychelles building the world's largest saltwater floating power plant