Zanzibar breaks all-time visitor record with more than 106,000 tourists in July

Unguja. Zanzibar recorded 106,108 tourist arrivals in July 2025, the highest monthly figure ever documented in the Isles, according to the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism.

Data from the Commission show that a total of 476,875 tourists visited Zanzibar between January and July this year, marking a significant increase compared to the same period in previous years.

Officials attribute the increase to infrastructure improvements and changes in tourism policy introduced by President Hussein Ali Mwinyi.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Arif Abbas Manji, said the growth reflects a combination of expanded airport and port capacity, regulatory reforms, and targeted international marketing.

“We have seen notable changes at entry points such as the airport and seaport, as well as the implementation of strategic marketing and regulatory reforms,” said Mr Manji.

Tourism remains one of Zanzibar’s largest economic sectors, contributing substantially to employment and foreign exchange earnings. However, the rise in arrivals is expected to place further pressure on infrastructure and natural resources.

Operators in the tourism industry have reported increased demand during July, with some hotels and tour services operating at full capacity throughout the month.

The Commission has not released projections for the remainder of the year, but further growth is expected as the high season approaches.