Zanzibar Records Significant Over Eight Percent Growth in November 2025 Tourism With Over Seventy Thousand arrivals as Europeans Continue To Lead The Charge For Island’s Visitor Surge

Published on December 10, 2025

Zanzibar has seen a significant increase in tourism, with more than seventy thousand international arrivals in November 2025, reflecting a remarkable growth of over eight percent from the previous year. The rise is primarily attributed to the ongoing prevalence of European travelers, who constitute the bulk of the island’s visitors. The consistent increase in tourism highlights Zanzibar’s expanding allure as a destination, with European markets at the forefront, playing a crucial role in the island’s tourism growth despite the usual seasonal variations seen in the industry.

Zanzibar has witnessed impressive growth in its tourism sector, as the island welcomed over seventy thousand international visitors in November 2025. This marks an increase of over eight percent compared to the same period last year, indicating a steady upward trend in arrivals. The statistics, compiled by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Government Statistician, provide insight into the island’s thriving tourism industry and its appeal to global travelers.

The increase in tourism, while positive, is slightly tempered by a drop of over sixteen percent from the previous month. October 2025 had seen a peak in arrivals, with the island receiving over eighty-six thousand visitors. This seasonal fluctuation is typical in Zanzibar, as the high season winds down and the lower season sets in. Despite this dip, the November numbers still reflect a healthy and growing tourism market on the island.

European tourists continued to dominate the market, accounting for over seventy-three percent of all international arrivals in November. Italy led the way with the highest share, contributing over twelve percent of the total visitors. Other key European markets, such as Germany and France, followed closely, with each accounting for seven percent of the arrivals. Although European markets maintain a dominant presence, emerging markets, including countries like Poland, India, Russia, Israel, China, and Ukraine, experienced a slight decline of around one percent from October’s figures.

Air travel remained the primary gateway for visitors to Zanzibar, with over ninety-three percent of tourists arriving by air. Of the total visitors, over fifty-four thousand flew in on international flights, while nearly fourteen thousand arrived on domestic flights from mainland Tanzania. Sea arrivals, however, were significantly lower, with only around four thousand six hundred travelers entering Zanzibar by sea. Among these, only four tourists arrived aboard cruise liners, highlighting the island’s limited appeal as a cruise destination at this time.

Holidaymakers continued to make up the vast majority of visitors, with nearly ninety-nine percent of arrivals coming for leisure purposes. Only a small percentage of visitors, approximately zero-point-four percent, came to visit friends and relatives, while an even smaller share, zero-point-one percent, arrived for other reasons, such as business or education.

The majority of visitors to Zanzibar were working-age adults, with those aged between fifteen and sixty-four years comprising over eighty-seven percent of the total. Retirees, aged sixty-five and above, made up eight percent of the arrivals, while children represented around four percent. This demographic breakdown underscores Zanzibar’s appeal as a destination for both younger travelers and retirees seeking a tropical getaway.

Zanzibar’s hospitality sector saw a healthy occupancy rate of sixty-eight percent, with over six hundred thousand beds sold out of a total of eight hundred eighty-four thousand available bed spaces. The average length of stay for visitors was eight days, with about thirty-three percent of tourists opting for a one-week stay. This reflects the island’s status as a popular long-stay destination, where visitors can enjoy extended holidays in its serene environment.

Looking ahead, Zanzibar’s tourism sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with key markets such as Europe and emerging destinations maintaining their interest in the island. While the seasonal fluctuations are expected to persist, the overall trend points to Zanzibar’s growing prominence on the international travel map.

As Zanzibar continues to build on its tourism success, strategic initiatives and government policies will play a crucial role in sustaining this growth. By focusing on improving infrastructure, diversifying attractions, and enhancing the visitor experience, the island is well-positioned to attract even more tourists in the years to come.

Zanzibar saw over seventy thousand international arrivals in November 2025, marking an over eight percent growth, driven primarily by a strong influx of European tourists, maintaining the island’s appeal despite seasonal fluctuations.

In conclusion, Zanzibar’s November 2025 tourism figures highlight the island’s resilience and potential for continued growth. With over seventy thousand international visitors arriving in the month, the tourism sector is firmly on the rise, driven primarily by European visitors. As Zanzibar works to navigate its seasonal fluctuations and build on its strengths, the island looks set to remain a top destination for global travelers.