Zanzibar Records Increase in Tourist Arrivals: Strengthening Destination Growth and Sustainability

The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) has proudly announced that Zanzibar Records Increase in Tourist Arrivals, achieving an impressive 38.6% growth in international visitors for September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of tourist arrivals surged from 60,731 in September 2024 to 84,154 in September 2025, underscoring Zanzibar’s continued rise as one of Africa’s leading destinations for sustainable, cultural, and leisure tourism.

This remarkable milestone highlights the islands’ growing global appeal, strong marketing strategies, and the positive impact of collaborative efforts between government agencies and private sector stakeholders such as the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO).

Understanding Zanzibar’s Tourism Performance

According to the Tourism Statistical Release published on 8th October 2025, European visitors dominated the market, contributing 66.3% of total arrivals. Among them, Italy (10.6%) and Germany (10.3%) were the leading source markets, followed by the United Kingdom and France.

Nearly 99% of visitors indicated that their primary purpose for visiting Zanzibar was leisure, reaffirming the islands’ position as a premium tropical escape for travelers from across the world.

Furthermore, 77,151 visitors arrived by air—both international and domestic flights—while 7,003 visitors entered by sea, including ferry and cruise arrivals. These figures highlight significant improvements in Zanzibar’s transportation and hospitality infrastructure, as well as better connectivity between Mainland Tanzania and the archipelago.

Accommodation and Visitor Engagement

The accommodation sector also performed strongly, with 657,181 beds occupied out of 884,430 available, representing a 74.3% occupancy rate. The average length of stay for visitors was eight nights, reflecting high visitor satisfaction and deeper engagement with local tourism products and services.

These statistics point to Zanzibar’s evolving tourism landscape—one that caters not just to beach lovers but also to travelers seeking extended stays, authentic experiences, and cultural enrichment. The continued investment in high-quality resorts, eco-lodges, and boutique hotels has positioned Zanzibar as a benchmark for luxury and responsible tourism in Africa.

TATO’s Role in Strengthening Zanzibar’s Tourism Sector

The growth highlighted in the Zanzibar Records Increase in Tourist Arrivals report is also a testament to the ongoing collaboration between ZCT, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA), and TATO.

As Tanzania’s leading private tourism body, TATO has played a critical role in advocating for stronger integration between Zanzibar and Mainland tourism policies. Through its work in advocacy, marketing, and public-private partnerships, TATO continues to ensure that both destinations complement each other rather than compete.

TATO’s contributions include:

• Policy Advocacy & Dialogue: Engaging with both the Mainland and Zanzibar governments to harmonize tourism regulations, streamline licensing systems, and enhance tax administration for cross-border operators.
• Marketing and Promotion: Participating in global travel fairs such as ITB Berlin, FITUR, and Karibu-Kili Fair to promote Tanzania—including Zanzibar—as a unified and diverse destination offering safaris, culture, and beaches.
• Capacity Building: Conducting training programs for driver guides, operators, and travel professionals to raise service quality and maintain ethical standards in tourism operations.
• FAM Trips and Familiarization Tours: Facilitating member and media trips to Zanzibar and other circuits to diversify tourism offerings and reduce pressure on the Northern Circuit.

These strategic efforts not only promote Zanzibar as a global tourism hub but also strengthen Tanzania’s position as a destination committed to responsible tourism and economic inclusivity.

Sustainable Growth and Diversification Efforts

Beyond leisure tourism, Zanzibar continues to broaden its product base through eco-tourism, heritage, and cultural tourism initiatives. The islands’ long-term vision aligns with national strategies to promote green investments, community-based tourism, and inclusive growth.

Emerging markets—such as Poland, Israel, and China—are also showing increasing interest in Zanzibar, expanding beyond traditional European markets. However, maintaining sustainability remains paramount. As tourism numbers grow, there is a heightened focus on preserving Zanzibar’s marine biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community livelihoods.

TATO plays an active role in this sustainability dialogue by encouraging its members to adopt eco-friendly practices, support local employment, and reinvest in conservation-driven tourism initiatives.

Building a Unified Future for Tanzanian Tourism

The Zanzibar Records Increase in Tourist Arrivals achievement underscores Tanzania’s broader tourism success story — one built on collaboration, innovation, and responsible management. Through continuous engagement between public institutions and private stakeholders like TATO, the tourism sector remains on a strong trajectory toward sustainable growth.

Zanzibar’s success complements Tanzania’s mainland attractions, providing visitors with seamless experiences that blend wildlife adventure with coastal relaxation. By aligning regional strategies and promoting shared standards, TATO and its partners are helping Tanzania maintain its position as a top destination in Africa and beyond.

Final Remarks

The 38.6% increase in tourist arrivals represents not just a statistical gain but a reaffirmation of Tanzania’s collective vision for tourism. It demonstrates the power of partnership between policymakers, investors, and operators working toward a common goal — to make Tanzania the most welcoming, sustainable, and competitive destination in Africa.

TATO commends the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) for its continued leadership and collaboration. As part of Tanzania’s broader tourism ecosystem, TATO reiterates its commitment to supporting policy harmonization, capacity development, and responsible tourism practices that benefit both Mainland and Zanzibar communities.

Together, these efforts ensure that the phrase “Zanzibar Records Increase in Tourist Arrivals” becomes not just a headline but a sustained reality — one that continues to inspire progress, inclusivity, and shared prosperity in Tanzania’s tourism industry.