Major tourism boost as Zanzibar hosts the World Travel Awards 2026

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has secured a major global tourism win after being confirmed as the official host of the World Travel Awards Africa 2026, a move that cements the isle’s rising status among the world’s top travel destinations.

For the first time, the clove-scented archipelago will stage the prestigious awards on 28 August 2026, marking a significant milestone for both Zanzibar and Tanzania’s tourism sector.

The agreement was officially concluded at the World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, in a high-level engagement led by the Executive Secretary of the Tourism Commission, Arif Abass Manji.

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The hosting rights are seen as a powerful endorsement of Zanzibar’s growing global appeal, offering a rare opportunity to showcase its unique blend of culture, heritage, and natural beauty to an international audience of travel industry leaders.

Beyond Zanzibar, the development is expected to boost Tanzania’s global tourism profile and further position East Africa as a competitive hub for world-class and distinctive travel experiences.