Zanzibar February tourism rises 4.9% as Europe dominates, island targets 1M visitors

TANZANIA – Zanzibar has welcomed 86,839 international tourists in February 2026, a 4.9% increase from the 82,750 arrivals recorded in the same month last year, according to the Office of the Chief Government Statistician.

The growth comes as the Zanzibar Tourism Commission works to expand European market reach while immigration officials plan a dedicated tourism unit and improved port services to enhance visitor experiences as the island pursues its one million annual visitor target.

Europe Leads as Primary Source Market

Europe continues to dominate Zanzibar’s tourism landscape, accounting for a commanding 77.4% of all arrivals in February.

Africa followed at 10%, with Asia contributing 6.2%.

The overwhelming majority, 94.6%, entered through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, with a stunning 99.7% traveling specifically for leisure purposes, underscoring the island’s reputation as a premier holiday destination.

February Slips from January Peak

The February figures, while showing healthy year-on-year growth, represent a 13.3% decline from January 2026’s impressive 100,216 arrivals.

This seasonal dip doesn’t dampen broader optimism among tourism stakeholders, who welcome the continued upward trajectory but acknowledge sustained effort is needed to reach Zanzibar’s ambitious target of one million annual visitors.

Immigration Upgrades Planned to Enhance Visitor Experience

Immigration officials have called for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage and the Zanzibar Ports Corporation to improve customer service standards at seaports.

Communication skills among port staff have been identified as a specific area requiring attention, with plans underway for a dedicated tourism unit within the Immigration Department to enhance visitor experiences at all points of entry.

These improvements aim to ensure that first impressions match the quality of Zanzibar’s world-class hospitality offerings.

2026 Outlook

With two months of data now available, Zanzibar appears on track to build on its 2025 performance, which saw the island welcome approximately 635,000 visitors and surpass pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

Tourism remains the island’s primary economic driver, contributing significantly to GDP and employment.

As the Zanzibar Tourism Commission works to diversify source markets beyond Europe, the coming months will reveal whether strategic marketing investments in Asia and other regions begin to bear fruit.

What This Means for Travelers

For tourists considering Zanzibar, the numbers confirm what many already know: the archipelago offers one of Africa’s most compelling beach and culture combinations.

With improved immigration processes on the horizon and continued investment in visitor infrastructure, the spice island is positioning itself not just for growth, but for quality experiences that keep travelers coming back.

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