Zanzibar Tourism Booms with Rising Air Capacity, Falling Hotel Rates

Zanzibar’s air capacity is set to surge by 33% over the next six months, driven by growing demand from international markets. This expansion comes as the island seeks to attract higher-value tourism and diversify its offerings beyond its main island.

Inbound air capacity increased by 11% between October 2025 and October 2026, according to tourism intelligence from the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA). Long-haul capacity saw an even more significant rise of 26%.

Strong growth in key markets

The UAE, Zanzibar’s fourth-largest international market, expects a 57% increase in capacity over the next six months. Other Gulf nations, including Qatar and Oman, are projected to rise by 17% and 108%, respectively.

European markets show strong performance as well. Forward bookings from the UK are up by 51% year on year, while Germany and France have seen increases of 14% and 8%, respectively. Russia has emerged as another growing market, with forward bookings up by 98% following direct flights from Moscow.

This increased connectivity extends to domestic routes, with domestic capacity forecast to rise by 36% over the next six months, further boosting Zanzibar’s tourism prospects.

Hotel rates under pressure

Despite the surge in air capacity and demand, Zanzibar’s hotel sector faces challenges. Increased accommodation supply has led to an approximate 18% drop in room rates across all hotel categories in the 12 months to October 2026.

Three-star properties dominate the island’s accommodation sector, accounting for 57% of online hotel supply. Four-star hotels make up 28%, and five-star properties represent 15%.

Virginia Messina, CEO of ATTA, emphasizes the importance of maintaining competitiveness while protecting the quality and value of Zanzibar’s tourism product as the island attracts international investment and new hospitality brands.

Zanzibar’s strong international reputation, scoring 86 out of 100 on the Global Tourist Perception Index, provides a solid foundation for these efforts.

In 2025, Zanzibar welcomed 917,167 international visitors, a 24.5% increase from the previous year. The island now aims to build on this momentum by increasing visitor spending and diversifying its tourism offerings.

The government’s strategy includes developing cultural, sporting, wellness, and culinary experiences to complement traditional beach-focused tourism. This shift is reflected in social media mentions, where beaches account for 23%, active lifestyle experiences for 19%, and arts and culture for 16%.

Improved connectivity supports this transition, making it easier to combine Zanzibar with other destinations in Tanzania and across Africa. The government is also targeting investment in Pemba, the less-developed of Zanzibar’s two main islands, to create a distinct tourism offering focused on ecotourism, boutique resorts, and marine tourism.

Forward flight bookings through global distribution systems are up by 10% for travel through March 2027, indicating sustained interest in the destination.

Diversifying tourism offerings

Jacqui Reynolds, Co-Founder of Essence of Africa, notes that Zanzibar is increasingly promoted as more than just a beach destination. The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism is positioning the island for sports tourism, medical tourism, gastronomy, and cultural experiences.

Investment in Pemba and MICE market

A key part of the government’s strategy is attracting tourism investment to Pemba. Plans include improving infrastructure and connectivity to support ecotourism, boutique resorts, wellness retreats, and marine tourism while preserving the island’s environment and character.

Arif Mazrui, General Manager of Fisherman Tours and Travels, highlights Pemba’s development opportunities, though limited facilities and inadequate airport infrastructure remain challenges. Investors show interest, and the government considers an approach focused on five-star resort development.

Zanzibar is also strengthening its position in the MICE market. A proposed convention center in the Fumba area is expected to start construction in 2027 and take approximately three years.