Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador for tourism for Zanzibar by the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports.

Karkaria was among four leaders from distinguished walks chosen to help promote tourism-driven investments in the picturesque destination, off the east coast of Africa in Tanzania, through new avenues for sports, entertainment and culture.

“It is, of course, a great honour and privilege to be appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the tourism vertical by the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports. From the tourism perspective, I have been an ardent admirer of Zanzibar's natural beauty, its warm, hospitable, and tourism-friendly people. With this opportunity, I can personally and professionally add value to this outstanding destination, and I am sure in the years ahead, Zanzibar will make its mark in the tourism spectrum,” said Karkaria..

Zanzibar has attracted tourists from across the world for more than two decades. Its top attractions include Stone Town, its ancient city that became a designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2000, its vibrant beach life, surfing and water activities, and its indigenous cusine, among others.

While legendary cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar was appointed, Goodwill Ambassador for Sports, entertainment baron Kunal Kapoor was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador for Entertainment and Sheldon Santwan, Editor-in-chief & CEO – Travel Biz Monitor, was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador for the media and travel trade vertical.

VFS Global is well established in the tourism representation and promotion domain with over 10 years of experience and a global presence in 25 countries. The company provides tourism and trade support services to several of our client’s national tourism authorities by assisting them in a wide range of promotional activities for their respective destinations.

About VFS Global

VFS Global is the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. VFS Global is the trusted partner of 64 client governments, operating a global network with more than 3,500 Application Centres in 141 countries. The company has processed over 241 million applications since its inception in 2001. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, enabling them to focus entirely on the critical assessment task. VFS Global has its headquarters in Zurich/Switzerland, and Dubai/United Arab Emirates.

VFS Global is majority-owned by funds managed by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone seeks to create positive economic impact and long-term value for their investors, the companies in which they invest, and the communities in which they work. Blackstone’s USD 915 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets, and secondary funds, all on a global basis.

The Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, a global investment organisation headquartered in Stockholm/Sweden, hold minority stakes in VFS Global.