Zanzibar Air Capacity Set To Soar 33% As New Tourism Data Reveals Changing Visitor Trends
Zanzibar is set for a significant expansion in air connectivity, with available airline seats forecast to increase by 33% over the next six months, according to new tourism intelligence released by the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) at the international Buyer Forum, Essence of Africa being held this week in Zanzibar between 20-22 October.
Analysis developed using Data Appeal Mabrian Travel Intelligence platform reveals strong growth in connectivity, changing international source markets and evolving visitor preferences.
Zanzibar's inbound air capacity increased by 11% between October 2025 and October 2026, driven by international capacity growth of 11% and a particularly strong 26% increase in long-haul seats.
The momentum is expected to accelerate over the next six months, with domestic capacity forecast to rise 36% and international capacity 31% year-on-year.
The increase is accompanied by stronger forward flight bookings through global distribution systems (GDS), which are up 10% year-on-year for travel through March 2027.
CHANGING SOURCE MARKETS
The Data Appeal’s - Almaviva Group analysis highlights significant changes in Zanzibar's international source markets, with expanding air connections from the Gulf, Europe and Russia.
The United Arab Emirates, Zanzibar's fourth-largest international market by available flight seats, is forecast to record a 57% increase in in-bound capacity over the next six months. Qatar is expected to grow by 17%, while Oman is forecast to more than double its available seats, rising 108%.
The figures reinforce the growing importance of Gulf aviation hubs in connecting Zanzibar with international travellers.
Established European markets also continue to demonstrate strong demand, with forward GDSs flight bookings from the UK increasing 51% year-on-year, followed by Germany (+14%) and France (+8%).
Russia has also recorded a notable increase in travel activity following the introduction of direct Moscow–Zanzibar services in July 2026. GDS flight bookings from Russia for travel through March 2027 have increased 98% year-on-year, while Zanzibar's share of outbound flight searches from the Russian market has risen by approximately 8 percentage points.
The findings illustrate how Zanzibar's international visitor markets are evolving as airline networks expand and travel patterns change.
HOTEL RATES FALL DESPITE GROWING VISITOR DEMAND
While air connectivity and flight bookings are increasing, Zanzibar's accommodation market is experiencing a more competitive pricing environment.
The Data Appeal - Almaviva Group analysis reveals that weighted average room rates advertised through online travel agencies fell approximately 18% year-on-year across the 12 months to October 2026, with declines recorded across all hotel categories.
The findings suggest increasing competition within the accommodation sector, potentially influenced by expanding international hotel brands and wider market conditions.
Zanzibar's online hotel supply remains concentrated in the midscale segment, with 3-star properties accounting for 57%, followed by 4-star hotels at 28% and 5-star properties at 15%.
BEYOND THE BEACH: WELLNESS, CULTURE AND INDEPENDENT TRAVEL GAIN GROUND
The Data Appeal’s - Almaviva Group analysis also reveals how Zanzibar's tourism appeal is evolving beyond its traditional sun-and-sea offering.
While beach experiences remain the leading driver of visitor interest, accounting for 23% of tourism-related related to social media mentions, active lifestyle experiences now represent 19%, followed by arts and culture at 16%.
Interest in family activities, wellness and gastronomy has also increased compared with the previous year.
The findings suggest opportunities for tourism businesses to diversify their products and attract visitors seeking experiences beyond the island's beaches.
The visitor demand profile show that couples remain Zanzibar's largest traveller segment, accounting for 46% of reviewers.
Although hotels and resorts continue to account for more than 70% of reviewed stays, alternative accommodation including apartments, hostels and homestays is gradually gaining market share, suggesting growing demand for flexible and independent travel.
STRONG DESTINATION REPUTATION
Zanzibar continues to enjoy a strong reputation among international travellers, recording a Global Tourist Perception Index of 86 out of 100, supported by particularly high scores for Security (95) and Climate (90).
However, the findings also identify opportunities to strengthen the visitor experience. Zanzibar's Tourism Product Index stands at 65/100, while its Hospitality Satisfaction Index is 74/100.
Satisfaction varies across accommodation categories, with 3-star properties scoring 69/100, compared with 77/100 for 5-star hotels and resorts.
Virginia Messina, CEO of ATTA®, said:
"There’s no doubt, Zanzibar’s excellent reputation as a destination, exceptional natural environment and increasingly diverse visitor offering is driving airlines’ confidence to increase airline seats over the next six months and beyond.
Established European markets remain extremely important, while growing connections through the Gulf and other international gateways are creating opportunities to reach a broader range of travellers.
But growth in airline seats and bookings must also translate into sustainable commercial returns, investment in the visitor experience and benefits for local communities. These findings reinforce the importance of continued investment in hospitality standards, skills and tourism product development as Zanzibar expands its international reach.
"As Zanzibar continues to attract international investment and new hospitality brands, maintaining competitiveness while protecting the quality and value of its tourism product will be essential. The opportunity is to build on the destination's popularity while encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore more and spend more widely within the local economy."
ENDS