More than 190 tourists arrived on a Bulgaria Airlines charter flight at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, restoring direct arrivals from Eastern Europe after several years of decline following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tourism officials said the flight signals renewed international confidence in Zanzibar as a destination and supports a broader strategy to widen the islands’ global tourism footprint.

Speaking at the airport, Zanzibar’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, described the arrival as a milestone in the sector’s post-pandemic recovery.

“Eastern Europe has historically contributed to Zanzibar’s tourism industry, but arrivals fell sharply during the pandemic,” Jumbe said. “The return of direct flights reflects renewed confidence and the success of targeted market diversification efforts.”

Zanzibar has traditionally drawn most visitors from Western Europe and North America. Officials say future growth will increasingly rely on emerging and non-traditional markets, including Eastern Europe, Asia and parts of Africa.

The government has set a target of attracting more than 1.5 million tourists annually by 2030. Jumbe said recent trends suggest the goal could be reached earlier, particularly as Zanzibar prepares to host visitors during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He said the Bulgarian route was established through coordination between the Union Government and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, working with private-sector partners.

Beyond tourism, officials said the new air link could help strengthen broader economic ties between Zanzibar and Bulgaria, including trade, investment and business exchanges.

“Tourism is often the first bridge,” Jumbe said. “Direct connectivity opens doors to cooperation in other sectors.”

Bulgaria Airlines is expected to operate the charter service three times a month, with aircraft remaining in Zanzibar until passengers complete their holidays. The arrangement is projected to bring between 400 and 450 Bulgarian tourists to the islands each month.

Tourism operators say Eastern Europe is an increasingly important source market, as travellers seek long-haul beach destinations offering cultural and historical attractions.

Zanzibar Tourism Commission Marketing Director Rahma Sanya said the arrival enhances Zanzibar’s global visibility and complements ongoing efforts to promote the destination through cruise tourism and new aviation partnerships.

“Zanzibar is positioning itself across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas,” Sanya said. “Our focus is to increase arrivals, length of stay and tourism revenues while maintaining the quality of the visitor experience.”

Private-sector players have also welcomed the development. Hafidh Ali Shamhuna, managing director of a local tourism company involved in the initiative, said securing direct international flights remains challenging but credited recent policy reforms and infrastructure investment for making the Bulgarian route possible.

He said discussions are under way to attract additional direct flights from countries including Russia and Ukraine, which could further expand Zanzibar’s reach in Eastern Europe.

The Zanzibar Airports Authority said Bulgaria Airlines is the first new international carrier to operate at the airport this year and expressed optimism that more airlines would follow. Officials cited ongoing investments, including plans to link Terminal II and Terminal III, develop an Airport City and upgrade Nungwi Airport.

As global tourism rebounds and competition for international travellers intensifies, Zanzibar authorities say expanded air connectivity will be central to sustaining growth.

For Zanzibar, officials say, the arrival of the first Bulgarian charter flight represents more than a single landing — it signals a strategic effort to connect with new markets and position the islands as a globally competitive destination.

Notes to Editors

• This story falls under tourism development and aviation connectivity, with emphasis on market diversification and post-Covid recovery rather than a single airline event.
• It highlights Zanzibar’s strategic shift toward emerging source markets, particularly Eastern Europe, as part of a long-term tourism resilience and growth strategy.
• The article is suitable for placement in tourism, travel & hospitality, aviation, Africa economy or destination marketing sections.

Media Contact:
Information Services Department and Office of the Chief Government Spokesman
E-mail: maelezotv@gmail.com
Phone: +255 754 750 765, +255 754 698 856, +255 759 714, +255 713 381 904
Availability: EAT (UTC +3)

ENDS