Zanzibar’s Growing Presence on the Global Tourism Stage
Zanzibar is poised to receive renewed global attention after participating in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025. This event, a key platform for the international travel industry, offered Zanzibar an opportunity to engage with major airlines and tourism partners, opening up new possibilities for its expanding travel sector.
The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) led a delegation of 33 members, including tour operators and travel companies, to the three-day exhibition held from November 4 to 6, 2025. The global trade fair served as a vital platform for Zanzibar to present itself to leading travel and aviation brands that are actively seeking emerging destinations in Africa.
One of the most significant developments during the event was the confirmation from Etihad Airways that it will launch direct flights to Zanzibar in June 2026. This move is expected to enhance the island’s global connectivity and make it more accessible to international travelers.
In addition to Etihad Airways, British Airways and Edelweiss Air, which already operates flights from Switzerland, also engaged in discussions with the ZCT regarding the expansion of routes and potential partnerships. These collaborations are seen as crucial steps in strengthening Zanzibar’s position in the global tourism market.
Arif Abbas Manji, the Executive Secretary of the ZCT, highlighted that Zanzibar’s tourism growth has been fueled by improved infrastructure, supportive policies, and a growing number of international connections. He emphasized that the island is on course to attract approximately one million visitors by the end of 2025, marking a historic milestone.
To further expand its appeal on the international stage, the ZCT also met with representatives from the English Premier League and the Wimbledon Grand Slam Tennis Tournament. These discussions aimed to explore potential collaborations between sports and tourism, leveraging the popularity of these events to promote Zanzibar as a premier destination.
Tourism analysts believe that these efforts reflect Zanzibar’s broader strategy to diversify its markets and attract higher-spending visitors, particularly from Europe and the Middle East. By doing so, the archipelago aims to solidify its reputation as one of Africa’s top island destinations.
Key Developments at WTM London 2025
- Etihad Airwaysconfirmed plans to launch direct flights to Zanzibar in June 2026, enhancing the island’s global connectivity.
- British AirwaysandEdelweiss Airengaged in talks with the ZCT about expanding routes and forming strategic partnerships.
- The ZCT met with representatives from theEnglish Premier LeagueandWimbledon Grand Slam Tennis Tournamentto explore collaborations between sports and tourism.
- Improved infrastructure, supportive policies, and increased international connections have contributed to Zanzibar’s tourism growth.
- Zanzibar is projected to welcome around one million visitors by the end of 2025, the highest number in its history.
Future Prospects for Zanzibar’s Tourism Sector
As Zanzibar continues to build relationships with key players in the global travel industry, its future looks promising. The island’s unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and growing accessibility positions it as a compelling destination for travelers worldwide.
By focusing on diversification and high-value tourism, Zanzibar is well on its way to becoming a top-tier tourist destination in Africa. The recent successes at the WTM London 2025 are just the beginning of what could be a transformative period for the archipelago’s tourism industry.