Z’bar launches first-ever tourism campaign in UK

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has officially launched its first-ever “Visit Zanzibar” destination marketing campaign in the United Kingdom, utilising London’s world-famous red buses to showcase the archipelago to millions of residents and international travellers.

The campaign, a strategic initiative of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), was inaugurated yesterday by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, Mr Mbelwa Kairuki. It is designed to elevate destination awareness and significantly boost international arrivals.

The landmark international campaign is a direct outcome of diplomatic visit to London in April 2025 Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, in April 2025.

During that mission, the President underscored the need for aggressive international marketing and strengthened global partnerships to elevate the Isles’ tourism profile.

As part of the campaign activation, branded buses depart from Shepherd’s Bush Depot and operate across several high-footfall routes in central London, targeting both city residents and the approximately 20 million international visitors London welcomed in 2024, according to london and partners. com.

The Visit Zanzibarbranded bus runs on Route 94, one of Central London’s most visible corridors, passing key tourism, entertainment and retail landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Marble Arch, before continuing west through Shepherd’s Bush to Acton.

This placement ensures Zanzibar’s story travels through the very heart of the city, reaching commuters, residents and visitors on a daily basis.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ambassador Kairuki said London is one of the most visited cities in the world, welcoming more than 20 million international visitors each year and serving as a global gateway connecting Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa.

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“For Zanzibar, this makes London an ideal platform from which to showcase our islands to a truly international audience. The iconic London bus travels through the very heart of the city, passing millions of residents, commuters and visitors each day, making it one of the most powerful and visible forms of destination advertising,” said Ambassador Kairuki.

He said the launch was particularly significant as it marked the first time Zanzibar has implemented a dedicated outdoor marketing campaign in London.

“Through this initiative, we are proud to introduce Zanzibar to new audiences as a premium destination for culture, heritage and warmweather escapes, while strengthening the growing tourism partnership between Zanzibar, Tanzania and the United Kingdom,” he added.

The campaign is being led by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism as part of its broader international marketing and branding strategy.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Arif Abbas Manji, emphasised the importance of the initiative, describing it as a historic promotional opportunity.

“We believe this is a landmark initiative that should not be missed. It presents a valuable opportunity to raise Zanzibar’s international profile and attract more visitors for greater economic benefit,” he said.

The United Kingdom remains a priority source market for Zanzibar’s tourism sector. London’s status as a major global hub means the campaign will reach a broad and diverse international audience daily, inspiring travellers to discover Zanzibar’s culture, heritage, beaches and hospitality.

By combining a worldrenowned outdoor advertising medium with a city that attracts tens of millions of international visitors, Zanzibar aims to strengthen ties with the UK market, expand longhaul awareness and drive future arrivals and investment into the destination.