Germans lead in Zanzibar’s May tourist arrivals

Unguja. Zanzibar continued to charm global visitors after it welcomed nearly 30,000 international visitors in May, marking a 12.7 percent increase from the same period the previous year.

Though visitors wowed by the warmth of the Spice Island came from across the world, it was European tourists who dominated the scene, comprising 57.7 percent of all arrivals.

Among them, Germans led the pack, accounting for 17.5 percent of the visitors, followed by the French at 10.3 percent.

Read: Zanzibar tourist arrivals soar by 16.4 percent in 2023

The majority of travelers, about 84 percent of the international visitors flew in directly through the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, with the remainder opting for sea routes, including a small contingent arriving by cruise ship.

The island's appeal as a holiday paradise was underscored by a majority of visitors arriving for leisure, while emerging markets such as Poland, India, and Russia showed a robust 23 percent growth.

Despite these figures, the statistics did not include domestic visitors arriving daily via ferries from Dar es Salaam, which further boosts Zanzibar's bustling tourism scene.

The demographic breakdown in monthly tourism statistical releases revealed a balanced gender ratio, with slightly more male visitors at 50.9 percent.

Accommodation-wise, Zanzibar boasted a substantial capacity of 779,216 bed-spaces, of which around 31.0 percent were occupied during May 2024.

The average stay duration for visitors was eight nights, reflecting a preference for extended vacations on the island's scenic shores.

As Zanzibar continued to attract a diverse array of travelers, from European vacationers to burgeoning markets further afield, its appeal as a premier destination in East Africa seemed only to strengthen with each passing year.

The island's rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality continued to make it a top choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.