Zanzibar tourism surge spotlights investment beyond hotels
Zanzibar recorded 917,167 international arrivals in 2025, up from 736,755 in 2024. December 2025 saw 100,729 visitors – up 10% year on year and 38.3% month on month – with bed occupancy close to 89%, more than 815,000 bed nights sold and an average intended stay just over eight nights. Officials say demand is now outpacing the depth of experiences beyond hotels, signalling opportunities to broaden the visitor offer in line with national development priorities.
International brands are scaling up – TUI expanding resort capacity, Hilton entering with a branded beachfront property, ENVI Lodges developing an eco‑luxury resort, and Minor Hotels adding an Anantara project with Infinity Group – while air access improves, with about 575 aircraft landings in January. Transport capacity is also rising via Azam Marine’s new Kilimanjaro Number 9 ferry, a US$12.9 million, 600‑plus‑passenger vessel operating up to 13 daily sailings between Dar es Salaam, Unguja and Pemba. Authorities highlight opportunities in family attractions, cultural assets, marinas, museums and nature‑based projects, with investor interest reported in six of the islands’ 11 forest conservation areas.
Source: VoyagesAfriq
