Zanzibar tourism expo 2025 moved back to May

ZANZIBAR: PREPARATIONS are underway for the second edition of the Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Expo (ZTI Expo), which has been rescheduled to May 30-31 to avoid overlapping with the general elections.

Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga said during a press briefing that the expo, originally scheduled for October, would be hosted at Nyamanzi Grounds in Unguja West B District.

“We’ve begun preparations for the Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Expo, which will be hosted at Nyamanzi Grounds in Unguja West B District. However, we’ve adjusted the timing of the event to ensure it doesn’t coincide with the general election activities,” Mr Soraga said.

“Given the political climate this year, many key figures such as ministers, MPs and other stakeholders in tourism will be focused on campaigns and constituency matters. We decided it was important not to delay this significant event.”

The minister emphasised that this early announcement would allow ample time for stakeholders to confirm their participation and prepare for the expo, which aims to elevate Zanzibar’s and Tanzania’s tourism profile on the global stage.

This international event is designed to bring together tourism investors and industry professionals from across the world.

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Reflecting on the success of last year’s inaugural expo, Mr Soraga noted that the event, held in October 2024, attracted 500 investors and stakeholders from various tourism sectors locally and internationally, showcasing a wide array of products and services.

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who inaugurated last year’s expo, is expected to do so again this year. The minister expressed optimism that this year’s expo will attract more than 1,000 participants, doubling the attendance of the previous year’s event.

He insisted the importance of hosting a dedicated national event to highlight Zanzibar’s tourism potential.

“Historically, individual companies and institutions represent Tanzania in regional and international tourism forums, often without presenting Zanzibar as a unified brand. We’ve now decided to create a dedicated platform for Zanzibar’s tourism sector, moving beyond merely participating in events organised by others.

This expo is part of a broader strategy to put Zanzibar on the global tourism map,” Soraga stated. Plans for this year’s expo include expanding activities to enhance the experience and attract greater international attention.

Meanwhile, the Director of Marketing at Zanzibar Tourism Commission (ZTC), Ms Rahma Sanya announced that Zanzibar will host a major African aviation industry conference in June 2025.

The event, which is expected to draw around 500 participants, will bring together global airline executives to explore opportunities, including launching new flight routes to Zanzibar.

“As airline executives gather, they will explore various aviation opportunities, including the potential to start flights to Zanzibar’s airports. We must be ready to welcome them, offer our hospitality and ensure we provide the cooperation they need,” Ms Sanya emphasised.