Zanzibar, a leading island destination in Africa, is aiming to attract almost one million visitors in next two years, banking on its rich heritage and historical sites, plus warm beaches and marine resources, a report said.

Zanzibar government is now upgrading tourism infrastructure including expansion of roads and improvement of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) together with other projects, reported eTurboNews.

Island’s President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, has outlined various development programs undertaken by the island’s government to strengthen tourism, aiming to attract 850,000 tourists over the next two years.

President Mwinyi had opened the first premium Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Forum late this week with aim to connect the tourism investors from East Africa, Africa and other tourist market sources in the world.

Branded as “Z – Summit 2023”, this international tourism summit took place February 23-24 at Zanzibar Airport‘s Golden Tulip Convocation Centre, and attracted over 300 participants.

The Z-Summit 2023’s goal was to connect key players and stakeholders in the tourism industry from East Africa, Africa and international investors, to meet then chart out strategies that would raise the number of visitors in Zanzibar and the rest of Africa, together with more investments in tourism.

Dr Mwinyi said that the construction of Pemba Airport is expected to open up tourism opportunities in the island as one among the efforts under the island’s government to promote the growth of tourism.

He said Zanzibar is cherished with old buildings including the Stone Town which is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Centre. Stone Town is a hub for most tourists landing in the island.

Zanzibar president used the chance to invite more tourists and investors to the island and said the doors are open to investors from around the globe to invest in Zanzibar.

Dr Mwinyi said his government has taken steps to implement the Blue Economy Policy with an emphasis on its sustainability through its “Tourism for All” concept.

Zanzibar’s Blue and Green economies had a unique chance to attract about 81% of global travelers preferring sustainable destinations.

Zanzibar has experienced a gradual and positive growth in room numbers, with an average of 2,000 rooms per year since 2019, and the opening of new internationally-branded hotels and resorts.

The Island’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Simai Mohamed Said, noted that Zanzibar has been attracting tourists all the year round. Zanzibar is among the leading tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean in Africa together with the Seychelles and Mauritius.