- The seven-star marvel, named “Montuli,” will be set up on the island of Pemba, a top tourism haven in Zanzibar.
- Attractive policies and enabling environment on the island attracted us to invest $8 million in this project, which will create 200 jobs upon completion, says Hussein Muzamir, the investor behind Montuli.
- The seven-star hotel will help Zanzibar edge closer to achieving its goal of attracting 850,000 tourists annually by 2025.
In the sun-kissed Zanzibar, a beacon of opulence is set to stir the East African hospitality industry skyline. Zanzibar is fast establishing itself as a premier luxury tourism destination and is intensifying competition by establishing the first seven-star hotel in the East African region.
This step is not merely a testament to the island’s dedication to redefine luxury but also a pivotal move by the government to fortify its core sector – tourism.
According to details by The Citizen, the seven-star marvel, named “Montuli,” will be set up in the island of Pemba, a top tourism haven. This ambitious venture is not just a solitary endeavor but is a broader strategy by the government to elevate Zanzibar as a global tourist destination.
Seven-star Montuli projected to cost $8 million, create 200 jobs
Sharif Ali Sharif, the Executive Director of the Zanzibar Investment Authority, recently unveiled plans for this project during the inauguration of another resort in the region.
Sharif explained, “We have many exciting developments on the horizon, but one in particular stands out: the arrival on Pemba Island of East Africa’s first-ever seven-star hotel. Let us congratulate President Hussein Mwinyi on his visionary leadership in making this happen.”
With the Montuli poised to rewrite the standards of extravagance, Zanzibar beckons us to witness the unfolding of a new chapter in luxury hospitality, with President Mwinyi steering the island towards new heights of grandeur and sophistication.
Hussein Muzamir, the investor behind Montuli, says “The attractive policies and enabling environment on the island attracted us to invest $8 million in this project, which will create 200 jobs upon completion.”
The tourism industry stands as a pillar in Zanzibar’s economic landscape, wielding significant influence by contributing a substantial 30 per cent to the island’s gross domestic product.
Zanzibar eyes attracting 850,000 tourists by 2025
Recognizing its pivotal role, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s administration has strategically implemented a series of measures designed to propel Zanzibar towards an ambitious goal: attracting 850,000 tourists annually by the year 2025.
This vision not only underscores the sector’s vital economic significance but also signifies a concerted effort to establish Zanzibar as a premier global destination, fostering sustainable growth and development for the island’s flourishing tourism industry.
“Zanzibar’s doors are open to investors interested in investing in sea sports and beach sports that will add value to our tourist attractions,” noted President Mwinyi during the Zanzibar Tourism Summit in February 2023.
Based on available data, the majority of the 700-plus hotels spread across Unguja and Pemba islands in Zanzibar fall within the one to two-star category, with a limited number of establishments rated at five, four, and three stars.
Read also: Zanzibar spices tourism trade with Belgium offering
What criteria elevates a hotel to 7-star status?
In formal industry categorisation, a 7-star designation for a hotel is simply unattainable. Across the globe, standardized hotel classification systems, notably those aligned with international standards like the European Hotelstars Union (HSU), cap official hotel ratings at 5 stars.
Nevertheless, this hasn’t deterred reviewers, and guests from establishing an unofficial and highly coveted 7-star category in both online discussions and public discourse. Further, in the perpetual quest for larger, more opulent, and excessively lavish hotel resorts, property developers aspire that their upcoming projects will shatter existing records and redefine the boundaries of luxury accommodations.
A 7-star hotel is distinguished by an unparalleled combination of luxury and opulence that sets it apart from the ordinary. Such establishments boast a record number and a diverse range of pool and spa facilities, ensuring an indulgent experience for every guest.
The presence of world-class Michelin-star chefs in the culinary domain adds a gastronomic dimension to the stay, elevating it to an exceptional level. Each room or suite is meticulously crafted with unique designs and furnishings, ensuring that guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of exclusivity.
What truly defines a 7-star haven is the staggering array of services on offer, ranging from personalized services to bespoke experiences that cater to every taste. With unmatched views of nature or iconic landmarks, the hotel breaches conventional boundaries, providing guests with a visual feast that complements the lavish surroundings.
Moreover, a 7-star establishment offers an exceptional quality of private and discrete service, where every guest is treated with the utmost attention and care, creating an unforgettable and incomparable hospitality experience.
Examples of 7-star hotels in the world:
Laucala Island Resort – Fiji
~ Room cost: $5,600 a night
~ Offerings: a private chef, nanny, access to infinity pool
Emirates Palace – Abu Dhabi
~ Room cost: $175 to $6,447 per night
~ Offerings: a private beach, panoramic terraces, and spa
Hotel Plaza Athenee – Paris
~ Cost of room: $954 to $4,909 a night
~ Offerings: Eiffel Tower views, Michelin-star chef, and spa
Burj Al Arab – Dubai
~ Room charge: $1,159 to $24,000 a night
~ Offerings: Access to 9 restaurants, helicopter service, and aqua retreat.
