By Business Insider Reporter
Zanzibar’s tourism sector is strengthening further, with the latest figures showing the Isles firmly on course toward the ambitious target of one million visitors by the end of this year.
International arrivals reached 100,216 visitors in January 2026, marking a 19.2 percent year-on-year increase from 84,069 visitors recorded in January 2025, according to data released by the Zanzibar Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS).
On a monthly basis, arrivals were slightly lower by 0.5 percent compared with 100,729 visitors in December 2025, reflecting normal seasonal fluctuations rather than a slowdown in demand.
From recovery to structural growth
European tourists continued to dominate Zanzibar’s source markets, accounting for 69,652 visitors or 69.5 percent of total arrivals in January. The market was led by travelers from Italy, France, and Poland.
Meanwhile, some emerging markets – including India, Russia, Israel, China, and Ukraine recorded a slight monthly decline, though they remain strategically important for diversification.
Over the past five years, Zanzibar’s tourism industry has undergone a notable transformation. After the pandemic-era downturn, arrivals rebounded steadily from 2021, supported by proactive destination marketing, expanded air connectivity, and sustained investment in hotels and tourism infrastructure.
By 2024 and 2025, arrivals had moved beyond pre-pandemic levels, signaling not just recovery but structural growth in demand for Zanzibar as a destination.
Recent economic reviews point to rising tourism receipts, improving hotel occupancy rates, and growth in tourism-linked services. Tourism continues to serve as the backbone of Zanzibar’s economy, contributing a large share of service exports and employment.
Wider economic spillovers
Tourism growth is increasingly feeding into the broader economy. Rising demand for accommodation and travel services is benefiting transport operators, farmers, fishers, artisans, and small traders.
These linkages are strengthening domestic value chains and supporting more inclusive growth.
Public and private investments remain central to this momentum. Airport, road, and utility upgrades have improved accessibility and visitor experience, while new hotels and facilities have expanded capacity.
At the same time, stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on quality standards, safety, and service excellence as Zanzibar positions itself as a premium destination.
As the one-million-visitor milestone approaches, attention is shifting toward sustainability. Policymakers and industry players are increasingly focused on balancing growth with environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community participation.
Eco-tourism, wellness travel, and conference tourism are emerging as high-value niches that could boost earnings while managing volume pressures. Despite risks such as global economic uncertainty and climate vulnerabilities, current trends suggest Zanzibar is well placed to achieve its tourism ambitions. Continued policy coordination, infrastructure investment, and private sector engagement will be key to ensuring that growth remains resilient, high-value, and inclusive.
