Zanzibar records 8.7pc rise in tourism

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR saw international tourist arrivals rise 8.7 per cent year-on-year in March, signaling a resilient recovery in the Isles’ primary economic engine.

Data released by the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) shows 65,581 visitors entered the territory during the month, up from 60,345 in March 2025.

While the annual trajectory remains positive, the figures reveal a 24.5 per cent month-on-month contraction from February’s peak of 86,839 arrivals. Analysts attributed the dip to standard seasonal volatility in the Indian Ocean tourism circuit.

The data were presented by Tourism Statistician Ms Fatma Hilal Mohammed from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS), who said the year-on-year growth signals continued recovery and strengthening of Zanzibar’s tourism industry. Europe remained the leading source market, contributing 49,370 visitors, equivalent to 75.3 per cent of total arrivals in March.

Africa followed with 8,489 visitors (12.9 per cent), while the Americas accounted for 4,460 visitors (6.8 per cent). Asia contributed 2,760 visitors (4.2 per cent), while Oceania recorded 498 visitors, representing 0.8 per cent of total arrivals during the month.

By country markets, Italy led as the top source of visitors, accounting for 14.4 per cent, followed by Germany (10.3 per cent), Poland (7.7 per cent), France (6.4 per cent) and Scandinavian countries collectively at 5.0 per cent.

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Most tourists arrived by air, with 60,146 visitors, equivalent to 91.7 per cent entering through airports, while 5,435 visitors (8.3 per cent) arrived via seaports. International flights accounted for 74.6 per cent of total arrivals, domestic flights 17.1 per cent, and sea transport 8.3 per cent. Leisure travel remained the dominant purpose of visit, with 99.2 per cent of tourists coming for holidays.

A small share of 0.7 per cent visited friends and relatives, while 0.1 per cent travelled for other purposes, including business and conferences. The average length of stay for visitors in Zanzibar stood at eight days, despite most tourists being granted visas of up to three months.

In terms of gender, male visitors accounted for 34,325 arrivals (52.3 per cent), while female visitors numbered 31,256 (47.7 per cent). Commenting on the figures, a senior economist from the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Estella Ngoma Hassan, said there is a need for targeted strategies to encourage tourists to extend their stay in order to boost national revenue.

She noted that reliable high-speed internet has become an increasingly important factor influencing tourists’ decisions to stay longer.

“Today’s world is driven by digital technology. Many visitors work remotely, so stable internet services can encourage them to remain longer and contribute more to the economy,” she said.

Dr Hassan added that current data show tourists spend an average of only eight days out of the three months permitted by their visas, presenting an opportunity for Zanzibar to design innovative tourism strategies to improve visitor retention.

On travel insurance services, IT Manager at the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, Mr Bakar Issa Yussuf, said the institution is addressing challenges faced by tourists during their stay, including lost luggage, noting that 27 visitors reported various issues in March.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Zanzibar Tour Guides Agency (ZATOGA), Mr Azizi Ramadhan Said, urged tourism stakeholders to maintain high hospitality standards to preserve Zanzibar’s positive global image.