Zanzibar Tourism Soars: International Visitors Surge by 30.5% in December 2024
Zanzibar experienced a remarkable tourism boom in December 2024, welcoming 91,611 international visitors, representing a significant 30.5 percent increase from the previous year’s 70,186 arrivals. The surge reflects a strong recovery and growing global interest in the island destination.
European markets continue to dominate, accounting for 68.1 percent of total visitors. Italy led the pack with 13.7 percent of arrivals, while African nations South Africa and Kenya emerged as key contributors to the tourism growth.
South Africa secured the second-largest market position, bringing in 7,252 visitors (7.9 percent), followed by Kenya in the sixth spot with 4,260 visitors (4.7 percent). Air travel remained the primary mode of entry, with 89.7 percent of visitors arriving by plane at Abeid Amaan Karume International Airport.
Leisure remained the primary travel motivation, with 99.2 percent of visitors coming for holidays. The destination attracted a diverse age demographic, with 84.1 percent of travelers between 15 and 64 years old. Female visitors slightly outnumbered males, comprising 55.7 percent of total arrivals.
Emerging markets showed promising growth, with countries like Poland, India, Russia, Israel, China, and Ukraine collectively recording a 26.6 percent increase in visitor numbers compared to December 2023.
The tourism sector demonstrated exceptional performance, with hotels achieving an impressive 92.4 percent bed occupancy rate. Visitors typically stayed an average of 8 days, with 22.9 percent spending a full week on the island.
These statistics suggest Zanzibar is strategically positioning itself as a top global destination, attracting tourists from established European markets and emerging economies alike.
