Standing on the historic grounds of East Africa’s last open slave-market, the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is both a memorial and a monument to transformation-where commerce once commodified lives, now this grand coral-stone edifice commemorates the end of slavery and the promise of equitable investment in heritage-led regeneration.
Zanzibar’s tourism industry is enjoying a landmark year in 2025, driven by record-breaking visitor arrivals, new investment projects, dynamic participation in international fairs, and a growing collection of global travel awards.
Together, these developments are reshaping the Isles’ economy and confirming their position as one of the most desirable destinations in the Indian Ocean.
The past year has seen an extraordinary rise in Zanzibar’s visibility on the global tourism map.
With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and rich cultural heritage, the archipelago continues to charm travelers from across the world.
But behind the beauty lies a deliberate strategy — one that combines aggressive marketing, infrastructure expansion, sustainable practices, and community empowerment to build a resilient and inclusive tourism sector.
Visitor arrivals hit record highs
Zanzibar’s growing appeal is best captured in its visitor numbers. In September 2025, the Isles welcomed 84,154 visitors, marking a 38.6 percent increase compared to the 60,731 recorded in the same month last year. August recorded 105,506 visitors.
This growth is attributed to promotional campaigns by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), expanded flight connections, and international visibility through global media.
In September this year, the Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), Mr. Arif Abbas, unveiled Zanzibar’s bold new marketing campaign in China. The launch took place in Weihai, one of China’s leading tourism destinations.
Joining him was a powerhouse delegation from China including Mr. A Zhen (Louis) a travel influencer with 1M+ followers, and one of Ctrip’s Top 5 sales performers for five consecutive years.
The initiative run extensively across WeChat Video Channels, TikTok, Douyin, and Rednote, ensuring wide visibility and engagement with millions of potential visitors.
Investment growth fuels expansion
Behind the numbers is a wave of investment transforming the Isles’ tourism landscape. Between 2024 and 2025, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism approved 181 new tourism-related projects, signaling strong investor confidence in the sector’s potential.
These projects include 87 accommodation facilities, 53 tour operators, 15 restaurants, and 11 marine activity ventures, reflecting the sector’s growing diversity.
Smaller but significant additions include seven car hire companies, four spas, two health and wellness centres, and one recreation facility.
These developments complement the 823 hotels already operating across Zanzibar as of 2024, ensuring a wider range of accommodation and leisure options for visitors — from boutique lodges and eco-resorts to large international brands.
Four happy friends are enjoying a relaxing walk on the beach at sunset, giving high fives and holding hands, celebrating their friendship and the beautiful scenery.
Showcasing Zanzibar to the World
Zanzibar’s growing global visibility owes much to its active presence at leading tourism fairs and exhibitions.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism participated in more than a dozen major local and international events, using them as platforms to market the Isles and forge new partnerships.
At home, the Commission participated in flagship events such as the Zanzibar Tourism Show, the Halal Tourism Exhibition, and the Vumba Festival, which showcased local attractions and culture.
Internationally, Zanzibar took part in prestigious events including ITB-Berlin, Colour of the World (Turkey), and IFTM Top Resa (France) — key gatherings for global tourism stakeholders.
The Isles were also represented at Tantalizing Tanzania in December 2024, the Zanzibar International Trade Fair and African Energy Summit in January 2025, and regional events such as Kili Fair, AviaDev Africa, and the Pemba Investment Summit in June 2025.
Other notable appearances included Saba Saba, Nane Nane, and the Zanzibar Kite Surfing Festival, alongside the Kusini Tourism Trade Fair and Festival in September 2025.
High-profile visits and global spotlight
Zanzibar’s global appeal was further boosted by the visit of Miss World Africa Hasset Dereje from Ethiopia, and Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic, who described the Isles as “a paradise of peace and beauty.”
Adding a spiritual dimension, renowned Islamic Scholar Mufti Ismail Menk also visited Zanzibar this year, delivering lectures that drew large crowds and underscored the Isles’ growing appeal as a destination for faith-based and inspirational tourism.
Meanwhile, the growing popularity of Indian and Korean television series has deepened cultural connections and inspired themed experiences in Zanzibar’s entertainment and hospitality sectors — from Bollywood-inspired beach events to K-drama-style wedding packages.
A trail of international awards
Zanzibar’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. In the past five years, the Isles have accumulated an impressive list of accolades that underscore their global appeal.
In 2021 and 2022, Zanzibar was named Africa’s Leading Beach Destination by the World Travel Awards. The same year, it earned the Pyne Award for Africa’s Leading Tourist Board of the Year.
In 2023, TripAdvisor ranked Zanzibar as Africa’s Number One Summer Destination, a nod to its growing popularity among global travelers.
The awards streak continued in 2024, when Zanzibar was recognised by the World Travel Awards as Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination.
It also captured two other prestigious titles — Best Romantic Destination from Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards, and Africa’s Second Best Island Holiday from the Travelers’ Choice Awards.
The past year has seen an extraordinary rise in Zanzibar’s visibility on the global tourism map.
In 2025, Zanzibar reclaimed the crown as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination while also being named Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination, consolidating its position as a tourism powerhouse.
Sustainability and waste management
As tourism grows, sustainability remains a core focus. In a major achievement for Zanzibar’s sustainable tourism sector, the Commission for Tourism (ZCT) formally launched its Waste Management Program as part of the Greener Zanzibar campaign, effective July 1, 2025.
The program mandates that all tourist establishments—hotels, restaurants and related businesses—must segregate waste streams (organic and recyclable), train staff in proper sorting, recycling and disposal techniques.
Arif Abbas, ZCT Executive Secretary, stated: “Tourism in Zanzibar thrives on our unique natural and cultural assets. If we do not act now, we risk long term harm to our environment and economy,”
Many establishments have already responded positively and aligned with the new standards.
Zanzibar’s tourism journey in 2025 tells a story of balance — between growth and sustainability, between global exposure and local empowerment.
Development and Practice of Planning & Palice PwAlle Rekanont-Zanzibar Commission for Tourism
