Zanzibar City is renowned for its cultural heritage and pristine beaches. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts visitors with its historic architecture, narrow alleys, and vibrant markets, while landmarks such as the House of Wonders and Old Fort remain major draws
Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar City has been named the Best International Vacation Destination at the 2025 Travel Noire Awards, a recognition that underscores the Isles’ growing global appeal.
Tourism minister Mudrick Soraga described the accolade as a milestone for East Africa, noting that the sector contributes about 30 percent of Zanzibar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“In 2024, we received about 730,000 visitors, and the number is projected to exceed 800,000 by 2026,” he said.
He attributed the growth to peace, improved infrastructure, and aggressive international promotion, 0“We are also building a new stadium in Pemba to promote both sports and tourism.”
Zanzibar City is renowned for its cultural heritage and pristine beaches. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts visitors with its historic architecture, narrow alleys, and vibrant markets, while landmarks such as the House of Wonders and Old Fort remain major draws.
According to Mr Soraga, the Isles have attracted over $4.5 billion in tourism-related investments, financing new hotels, upgraded airports, roads, water, and electricity.
Increased daily flights have also made the destination more accessible.
Beyond beach tourism, Zanzibar is diversifying into sports and adventure activities, “The new stadium will help host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, while destinations like Nungwi and Paje are popular for kitesurfing and water sports.”
“The Travel Noire Award considered factors such as culture, visitor experience, and infrastructure. Mr Soraga stressed: “Zanzibar is open for business. We aim to be a globally competitive hub for tourism, culture, and sustainable growth.”
