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The Spiritual Leader of Shia Ismaili Community, Prince Aga Khan yesterday described the Zanzibar Serena Inn as a path-breaker project which will boost tourism industry in the isles.

Speaking at the official opening of the Zanzibar Serena Inn, He said the project would play a vital role in the re-awakening economic and social status of Zanzibar.

He said at the function which was also attended by President Benjamin Mkapa and Zanzibar President Dr. Salmim Amour that the project was significant to Zanzibar's economic benefits.

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Moslems, opened a $7 million hotel on the island of Zanzibar at the weekend -- an investment welcomed by Tanzania as a boost to its tourist trade.

The 52-room hotel, in a historic seafront building which once housed the British consulate when Zanzibar was ruled by an Arab sultan, is the latest project of the Aga Khan's Serena group, which has built a chain of hotels in East Africa.

The Imam of the Shia Ismailia Muslims, His Highness The Aga Khan, arrived here yesterday from Kenya continuing his eight-day visit to East Africa.

The Aga Khan, who is accompanied by his brother, Prince Amyn Aga Khan, was received by the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Bakari Mwapachu, at the Dar es Salaam Airport.

Tanzania plans to inject more resources into the tourism industry to ensure effective competition against other countries in attracting tourists, President Benjamin Mkapa said yesterday.

Opening the Zanzibar Serena Inn in the island, President Mkapa said his government, with the participation of donors, will strive to inject more resources into tourism supportive services, infrastructure and advertising.

President Moi yesterday stated that ``the role of the media in the social and economic development of any nation must not be underestimated.'' ``The media is not just an important partner in national development, it is an agent to influence thought and social change,'' he said during the inauguration of a new Sh750 million printing facility for Nation Newspapers Ltd in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan.

The Forodhani Park was inaugurated in July 2009.

Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya [Left photo] and Prince Amyn Mohammad, joined H.H. The Aga Khan and President Amani Karume at the opening of the Forodhani Park.