Zanzibar edges closer to one million annual tourists, signalling a new chapter for the islands’ economy

With the festive season upon us, South African tourists are likely to set Zanzibar in Tanzania as a preferred holiday destination, given its picturesque settings and favourable travel climate.

With direct flights from Johannesburg to Zanzibar in place and visa-free entry for up to 90 days available to South African passport holders, taking in the bush-and-beach attractions of the East African destination has become more alluring.

The development comes at a time when Zanzibar is on the verge of achieving the milestone of one million annual tourist arrivals, which highlights the growing appeal of its hospitality sector.

Data from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician in Tanzania shows that the islands had recorded 743,605 international arrivals by the end of October 2025, surpassing all previous full-year totals well before the year’s end. Last year’s record was 736,755 visitors.

Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Commission of Tourism, Arif Abbas Manji, appreciated the surge in arrivals, considering the significant global shocks that have affected tourism industries worldwide.

“The rise in arrivals has occurred despite challenges such as theCOVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions,” Arif said.

He noted that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (the governing body) prioritised improving Zanzibar's investment climate, modernising airport and port facilities, upgrading roads, and strengthening service standards across the hospitality industry. “These reforms have made Zanzibar more competitive internationally,” Arif added.

Arif said that the big numbers also reflected Zanzibar’s stability socially, politically, as well as economically.

“The significant increase in tourist arrivals this year, which is also an election year, clearly demonstrates that Zanzibar is not only rich in attractions but also a peaceful and stable destination,” he said.

He mentioned that direct international flights, many of which stem from commitments secured through the African Aviation Development Conference (AVIADEV), have contributed significantly to the rise in arrivals.

Industry analysts say such developments are modernising the tourism product, increasing bed capacity, creating jobs, and raising service standards across the board.

Zanzibar has expanded its attractions beyond just beach and heritage tourism; its new segments include sport, halal and medical tourism, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market, which also broadens the islands’ appeal.

The growing impact across the economy is evident. Industry analysts say the tourism boom is already stimulating growth across multiple sectors.

“This growth shows that Zanzibar is no longer an emerging destination; it is a fully established global brand,” he said. “Reaching a million tourists a year means more jobs, more local enterprises, and stronger investor confidence.”

Zanzibar’s rise has been amplified by a series of high-profile international awards from globally recognised travel and tourism bodies, an endorsement that has elevated the islands’ position among Africa’s fastest-growing destinations.

“Our goal is not just to attract more visitors,” Arif said.

DAILY NEWS