The “Credible” Destination: Biubwa Omar’s Vision for Zanzibar’s Future

While the sun sets over the turquoise waters of Unguja, a different kind of warmth was felt last week at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA). The 4th edition of the Z-Summit (February 11–12, 2026) brought the global travel world to Zanzibar’s doorstep, but one voice stood out by challenging the status quo: Biubwa Omar.

As the Managing Director of Safari Gateway and a leading advocate for sustainable growth, Omar isn’t just looking for more tourists—she’s looking for readiness.

Beyond the Halal Menu

In a standout session that captured the summit’s theme of strategic collaboration, Omar moved the needle on the “Halal Tourism” conversation. For many, the term evokes images of specialized kitchens, but Omar’s vision is much broader.

“It’s about a structured ecosystem,” she noted. “To be a truly credible Muslim-friendly destination, we must look at service design, ethical investment, and cultural preservation as a single, unified standard.”

Why the Z-Summit Matters

Organized by KILIFAIR Promotion and ZATI, the 2026 Z-Summit was the island’s largest to date, hosting over 300 international buyers and 120 exhibitors. By moving the event forward to respect the upcoming month of Ramadan, organizers signaled a new level of cultural attunement—the very kind of “faith-based logic” Omar advocates for in the broader industry.

The Biubwa Omar Approach: 3 Pillars of Growth

Through her work with Safari Gateway and the Zanzibar Women Chamber of Commerce, Omar is helping redefine the island’s “cream”:

• Service Design over Labels: Moving beyond “Halal-certified” to creating environments where faith-based needs are naturally and elegantly met.
• Community-First Growth: Ensuring the “Zanzibari identity” isn’t a prop for tourism, but the foundation of the experience.
• Strategic Readiness: Preparing local operators to handle the record-breaking arrival numbers (over 900,000 in 2025!) with professional, value-driven hospitality.

The Takeaway

With the global Muslim travel market expanding at a record pace, destinations that “prepare early” will hold the competitive edge. For Zanzibar, this isn’t just about increasing arrival numbers; it’s a strategic growth pillar aimed at building a more resilient, inclusive economy.

“Growth is coming,” Omar noted during the summit. “The real question is—are we ready?”

As Z-Summit 2026 comes to a close, the takeaway for the industry is evident: Zanzibar is no longer just a “beach destination.” It is evolving into a sophisticated, value-driven hub that understands the power of niche markets like Halal tourism to drive sustainable, long-term success, and leaders like Biubwa Omar are ensuring the island doesn’t lose its soul in the process. The Z-Summit proved that Zanzibar is open for business, but Omar reminded us that the quality of that business is what will define the next decade.