Zanzibar recorded 124,481 tourist arrivals in August 2026, marking an 18 percent increase from 105,506 arrivals in August 2025 and a 15.5 percent rise compared with 107,801 arrivals in July 2026. The estimated hotel bed occupancy rate was reported at 92.9 percent, indicating strong seasonal demand and active tourism sector performance.
Tourist Source Markets by Continent
Europe was the largest source market with 72,304 visitors, accounting for 58.1 percent of total arrivals. Africa contributed 30,495 visitors (24.5 percent), Asia supplied 14,359 visitors (11.5 percent), the Americas accounted for 5,755 visitors (4.6 percent), and Oceania provided 1,535 arrivals (1.2 percent).
Visitor Entry Modes, Gender, and Purpose of Visit
Most visitors (92 percent, or 114,553)
entered Zanzibar by air, while sea ports processed 9,928 arrivals (8 percent). Male tourists numbered 71,829 (57.7 percent), with females at 52,652 (42.3 percent). Leisure visitors made up 99.8 percent of arrivals, and those visiting for business, meetings, or related activities comprised 0.2 percent.
Infrastructure, Peace, and Service Improvements Driving Growth
According to Dr Styla Hassan, economist at State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), improvements in roads and essential infrastructure facilitate visitor movement, while the peace and stability prevailing in Zanzibar have significantly contributed to the increase in visitations. These factors have enhanced Zanzibar’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Technological Advancements and Visitor Health Reports
Yussuf Nuhu Adam, public relations officer at the Zanzibar
Immigration Department, noted the use of technology including a new online visa system to simplify services for international visitors. Bakari Mussa Yussuf, IT officer at Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, confirmed that no major health-related visitor incidents occurred during August 2026.
Official Comments on Tourism Performance
Hassan Amer Vuai, tourism statistics researcher at Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, said the growth reflects sector performance and Zanzibar’s growing appeal in international tourism. Dr Styla Hassan attributed the rise partly to infrastructure and peace. Bakari Mussa Yussuf reaffirmed the absence of major visitor health problems, while Yussuf Nuhu Adam highlighted technological improvements in immigration services.
