Zanzibar shatters tourism record with over 700,000 visitors in just 10 months
In January, Zanzibar welcomed 84,069 visitors, followed by 82,750 in February and 60,345 in March. International arrivals peaked mid-year, reaching 98,370 in July, 105,506 in August and 84,154 in September.
Zanzibar has set a new tourism milestone after receiving more than 700,000 international visitors by October 2025—surpassing its previous full-year record, according to data from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician.
The statistics show steady growth in arrivals over recent years, rising from 260,644 in 2020 to 736,755 in 2024. By October 2025, the island had already recorded 743,605 visitors, with two months remaining in the calendar year.
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In January, Zanzibar welcomed 84,069 visitors, followed by 82,750 in February and 60,345 in March. International arrivals peaked mid-year, reaching 98,370 in July, 105,506 in August and 84,154 in September.
"The surge in arrivals has occurred despite global challenges that have affected tourism industries worldwide, including the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions that have disrupted international travel patterns," said Zanzibar Commission of Tourism Executive Secretary Arif Abbas, according to The Citizen.
"The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has strengthened the sector through improvements to the investment climate, modernisation of airports, roads and port infrastructure, and continued enhancement of service standards across the industry. These measures have increased Zanzibar's competitiveness in the international tourism market."
Arif added that the continued rise in arrivals underscores Zanzibar’s appeal as a safe and attractive destination, noting that new direct flights have made the island even more accessible to global travellers.
"The introduction of direct flights, which is among the successes of the African Aviation Development Conference (AVIADEV), has improved accessibility from various parts of the world, a measure that has contributed greatly to the rise in tourist arrivals to Zanzibar," Arif said.
He also pointed to the introduction of new tourism products—including sports, halal, medical and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions)—which he said have broadened the island’s appeal.
Zanzibar’s fast-growing reputation has been further strengthened by several international awards this year, solidifying its status as one of Africa’s most popular and rapidly expanding travel destinations.
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