Zanzibar welcomed 100,216 international visitors in January 2026, marking a 19% increase from the same month last year and underscoring the islands’ growing appeal in the global tourism market.

The data, released by the Office of the Chief Government Statistician of Zanzibar, reflects continued recovery in international travel, despite a slight 0.5% dip compared with the 100,729 tourists recorded in December 2025, traditionally a peak travel period.

Europe remained the dominant source market, contributing nearly 70% of arrivals, with Italy (14.4%), France (6.9%), Poland (6.7%), and Germany (6%) leading the pack. African markets accounted for 16.6% of visitors, with South Africa alone supplying 5.9% of arrivals, while Asia, the Americas, and Oceania contributed the remainder.

Tourist arrivals have shown steady growth over the past five years, rising from 42,445 in January 2022 to surpassing 100,000 in January 2026. Air travel remains the primary mode of entry, with 92.4% of visitors arriving via airports, highlighting Zanzibar’s connectivity to international hubs.

Male tourists made up 58.4% of arrivals, females 41.6%, and the average length of stay was eight days, providing sustained economic benefit to hotels, tour operators, and local communities.

Tourism officials say the figures demonstrate Zanzibar’s potential as a high-value destination in the competitive Indian Ocean market. “Zanzibar continues to attract discerning travellers from Europe, Africa, and beyond, who are drawn to our beaches, heritage sites, and luxury offerings,” said Fatma Hilali, a statistician at the tourism office.

The strong performance also positions the islands as a strategic entry point for regional tourism investors. Authorities are prioritising infrastructure improvements, marketing campaigns, and sustainable tourism initiatives to further capitalise on the rebound in global travel.

Zanzibar’s tourism sector is a vital contributor to the economy, generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, and supporting local enterprise, while also aligning with broader East African efforts to position the region as a premier destination for international travellers.

Notes to Editors
–       Zanzibar recorded 100,216 international tourist arrivals in January 2026, a 19% increase compared with January 2025.

–       The figure represents continued recovery and growth in international travel, despite a slight 0.5% decline from December 2025, which is typically a peak tourism month.

–       Europe accounted for nearly 70% of total arrivals, led by Italy, France, Poland, and Germany.

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