Seashore Villa, a 4-star hotel in Zanzibar managed by Georgian owner Tiko Chubabria for the past two years, has recently expanded its facilities. As Chubabria shared on BMGTV’s “Women’s Narrative,” Zanzibar has become increasingly popular among both Georgian and international tourists. To meet rising demand, the hotel enlarged its territory and added eco-friendly bungalows, which are now among its most sought-after accommodations.
The hotel operates year-round, remaining open even during Zanzibar’s rainy winter season. While summer months and the December–January period bring the highest occupancy, Seashore Villa maintains a steady flow of guests. Although Georgian travelers do visit, the majority of clients come from Europe, particularly France, Italy, Germany, and Northern European countries, as well as various regions of Africa.
Running a business on the island, however, comes with notable challenges. Chubabria points to corruption risks, weak infrastructure, and unreliable utilities as ongoing issues. Frequent disruptions in water, gas, and electricity supply create operational difficulties, while the local work culture tends to be slower and less efficiency-driven compared to Georgia or Europe.
Staffing remains one of the biggest obstacles. Finding qualified workers in Zanzibar is difficult, prompting the hotel to hire and train interns. Despite having only ten rooms, Seashore Villa employs 14–15 people due to the slower work pace and the need to distribute responsibilities across multiple staff members. Still, Chubabria notes that rising tourist interest in Zanzibar is helping the hotel grow despite these challenges.
