Desmond Balmer
An innovative marine park on a small Tanzanian island that can accommodate only 14 guests at a time was last month declared the global winner of the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Chumbe Island Coral Park, in an idyllic setting south- west of Zanzibar Town, was chosen as the winner ahead of 115 projects from 42 countries judged for the contributions they made towards improving tourism’s on the environment.
The island’s guests stay in seven two-bed bungalows which generate their own water and energy with rain-water catchments and solar heating. Sewage is recycled by the use of self-composting toilets and the filtration of shower water through plant beds. Only 12 day visitors from mainland Zanzibar are allowed at a time while groups of schoolchildren are given guided tours and taught about the marine and plant life.
Chumbe Island was chosen ahead of other regional winners including Kelling Heath Holiday Park in Norfolk and the Gomorszolos Village in Hungary, a rural development programme supported by tourism.
An overnight stay costs from around R950 to R1E250 a person per night, including transfers from Zanzibar and all meals. Tel +25 554 231040, or e-mail [email protected]