Zanzibar gears up for second tourism expo, aims to attract 1,000 participants

Unguja. The Zanzibar Tourism Exhibition will return for its second edition this year, with an anticipated 1,000 participants set to converge on the island to showcase its diverse attractions and growth potential.

The event is scheduled for May 30-31, 2025, at the Nyamanzi Trade Exhibition Grounds.

The announcement was made on 15 January 2025 by Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Mr Mudrik Ramadhani Soraga.

In his statement, Mr Soraga said that the exhibition had been rescheduled to avoid clashing with the upcoming general elections, which required priority scheduling for related activities.

He highlighted that the inaugural tourism exhibition, held in October 2024 at the Dimani Exhibition Grounds, was a success, and the second edition will build upon its momentum, with a clear goal of promoting Zanzibar’s tourism sector.

“The exhibition presents an opportunity to showcase the breadth of Zanzibar’s offerings and bring us closer to international tourism standards,” said Mr Soraga, adding that the event is a key part of the government’s strategy to boost local tourism and attract visitors from across the globe.

He emphasised that Zanzibar’s tourism potential goes beyond its world-famous beaches, with efforts underway to diversify the island’s attractions.

“While our beaches are a key asset, there is a need to invest in a wide range of tourism products to keep visitors coming back,” he said.

Mr Soraga also addressed the recent suspension of Air France flights to Zanzibar, assuring stakeholders that it will not negatively impact the island’s tourism.

“Direct flights from Paris may have been affected, but other airlines continue to provide direct services to Zanzibar, keeping the flow of international visitors intact,” he explained.

In addition to showcasing Zanzibar’s rich tourism offerings, the exhibition aims to foster partnerships and investments in areas such as infrastructure, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism development.

The government remains committed to improving essential services like water supply, transportation, and public amenities to enhance the overall visitor experience.

The Zanzibar Investors Association (ZATI) Chairman, Mr Suleiman Mohammed, expressed confidence that the event would attract significant attention from international markets, particularly Asia, expanding the isle’s reach as a prime tourist destination.

One of the key organizers of the Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Show, Mr Javed Jafferji, also shared his excitement for the upcoming exhibition.

“This will be the largest event of its kind, highlighting Zanzibar’s tourism potential. With the support of key industry stakeholders such as ZATI, Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators (ZATO), Hotel Association of Zanzibar (HAZ), Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO),  the Zanzibar Tour Guide Association (ZATOGA), and Z Car Club Association (ZCCA). We are working together to ensure that Zanzibar takes its place as a leading tourism hub in the region,” he said.

As the countdown to the event begins, all eyes are on Zanzibar as it prepares to further cement its position as a global tourism destination.