ZANZIBAR, Jan 18 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — ZANZIBAR recorded 100,739 international tourist arrivals in December last year, a 10 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring the islands’ steady tourism recovery.
Figures released by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism show arrivals rose from 91,611 visitors in December 2024 to over 100,000 in December last year.
Tourism Research and Statistics Officer, Hassan Ameir Vuai, said the increase was even more significant compared to November 2025, which recorded 72,833 visitors representing a sharp 38.3 per cent month-on-month rise.
Vuai called on stakeholders and citizens to continue supporting government efforts to maintain a safe, peaceful and attractive environment for tourists, noting that security and stability remain critical to sustained sector growth.
Europe remained Zanzibar’s leading source market, contributing 68,621 visitors, followed by Africa with 18,586 visitors, accounting for 18.5 per cent of total arrivals.
Asia ranked third with 7,516 visitors (7.5 per cent), followed by the Americas with 4,733 visitors (4.7 per cent) and Oceania with 1,273 visitors (1.3 per cent).
Italy topped the list of individual source countries, accounting for 14.4 per cent of arrivals, followed by Poland (6.7 per cent), France (6.6 per cent), South Africa (6.0 per cent) and Germany (5.0 per cent).
Vuai added that 92,421 visitors, equivalent to 91.7 per cent, entered Zanzibar through airports, while 8,308 visitors (8.3 per cent) arrived via seaports.
Assistant Immigration Officer, Said Rajab Hassan, welcomed the economic benefits of increased tourist arrivals but warned of challenges related to illegal immigration.
“In 2025 alone, we identified 450 illegal immigrants who initially entered the country legally but overstayed after their permits expired,” he said.
He cautioned that under the Immigration Act of 2020, amended in 2023, any host found aiding illegal immigrants risks confiscation of property and other legal penalties.
Meanwhile, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) Inbound Travel Insurance Supervisor, Abdulrahman Mwinyi Pembe, said December 2025 ranked among the strongest months for tourist arrivals, despite the introduction of mandatory travel insurance.
He noted that initial concerns surrounding the policy had eased, as evidence now shows it has strengthened visitor confidence rather than discouraged travel. — NNN-DAILYNEWS