The spice islands of Zanzibar are facing a shortage of alcohol which threatens the tourism sector of one of Africa’s top travel destinations.

Tourism generates about 90 per cent of the Tanzanian archipelago’s foreign revenue.

Prices of beer have shot up by almost 100 per cent after the supply chain was disrupted by a sudden change of importers.

The islands’ tourism minister resigned recently citing poor work conditions.

However, some have linked his resignation to the issues with alcohol supplies.

Known for their stunning sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage, the Indian Ocean islands are popular with tourists from around the world.

Last year, Zanzibar was ranked among the 10 best travel destinations in Africa by several tour magazines.

But hoteliers now warn that the problems over alcohol supply might make the island lose its tourism shine.

Several tourist hotels along the Matemwa beaches in the north of Zanzibar’s main island are only serving soft drinks and people in that area say they have to go to the main city, Stone Town, for alcohol.

Mshenga’s business selling beer and sea food has been badly hit.

“We are running short of beer at my bar, and I just have a stock of soft drinks,” he told the BBC. “The government has to take action. It is the high season now, it is very hot and these tourists need joy, they need cold beer on these beaches.”