C9 Hotelworks Release Zanzibar Hotel and Tourism Report

Mention Zanzibar when talking about idyllic tropical islands and the mere name reflects a faraway exotic destination not unlike Bali or Tahiti. Be it the white sand beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa or the historic allure of UNESCO gem Stone Town, Zanzibar remains a staple for the global bucket-list brigade.

According to C9 Hotelworks recently released Zanzibar Hotel Market Update last year over half a million passenger arrivals were received at the gateway airport and seaport, registering year-on-year growth of 20%. Over a ten-year period, the aggregate compound annual growth rate for arrivals by air and sea hit an impressive 15%.

Tourism remains the stable of Zanzibar and the Top 5 markets in order of volume are Italy, North America, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Based on the long-haul profile of business the legacy traveler base has twined a safari in Tanzania or Kenya together with a beach holiday in Zanzibar. For hotels the two most popular tiers/source are top-end luxury travelers and a broader all-inclusive core visitor base.

While independent hotels remain a dominant factor in a market that totals 8,755 keys, international brands include Park Hyatt, Hilton, Melia and Marriott. Package and charter operators are also heavily invested on accommodation, most notably TUI with their Rui and TUI Blue brands who continue to expand including the acquisition of existing hotels.

One of the key game changers in recent years has been expanding airlift to the Middle East via Doha and Dubai. Istanbul has been another key feeder. A widening global network has started to attract a rising number of Asian visitors. Despite a largely seasonal trading pattern, growing numbers from East and South Africa are creating a more stable annualized trading pattern.

Based on C9 Hotelworks ongoing consulting engagements in Zanzibar a growing number of investors from Asia are developing projects given top tier room rates that are often similar to Seychelles and Mauritius.  Much of this is being fueled by a favorable investment scheme and foreign ownership via the autonomous Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority.

C9’s outlook on Zanzibar is highly positive given favorable supply and demand, high room rate potential and a maturing hotel cycle which is seeing new opportunities away from the legacy all-inclusive segment and into boutique lifestyle and wellness resort products.

To read and download C9 Hotelworks Zanzibar Hotel Market Update CLICK