The government is looking to turn Zanzibar into a stronger gateway for mainland tourism, with new efforts aimed at directing a growing number of international visitors to destinations such as Mikumi National Park.
South Unguja Regional Commissioner Hamida Mussa Hamis said the strategy focuses on encouraging tourists who arrive in Zanzibar to extend their itineraries to the mainland, leveraging the islands’ global appeal to promote Tanzania’s wider tourism circuit.
Speaking after visiting Mikumi National Park in Morogoro Region, Hamis said the volume of tourists landing in Zanzibar presents an opportunity that has not been fully utilised.
“Zanzibar remains a key entry point for tourism, but there is a need to ensure that visitors also explore attractions on the mainland,” she said, noting that national parks such as Mikumi offer experiences that complement coastal tourism.
She cited her own visit as evidence of the park’s appeal, describing how wildlife sightings, including lions, can be experienced shortly after entry an indication of the park’s accessibility and rich biodiversity.
The commissioner pointed to improvements in infrastructure as a major enabler of the strategy, highlighting the role of air transport, roads and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in reducing travel time and improving connectivity between Zanzibar and mainland destinations.
She also called for stronger participation of Tanzanians in domestic tourism, saying the sector’s sustainability depends on local engagement as much as international arrivals.
“Domestic tourism should not be overlooked. It is an important pillar that supports the industry and creates wider economic benefits,” she said.
At the same time, she encouraged mainland residents to visit Zanzibar, citing its beach tourism, marine activities such as dolphin tours, and cultural events as part of a complementary tourism offering.
The push aligns with broader national efforts led by Samia Suluhu Hassan and Hussein Ali Mwinyi to promote Tanzania as a unified destination, including through international campaigns such as the Royal Tour.
For his part, Mikumi National Park Chief Warden Augustine Masesa said visitors from Zanzibar already form a notable share of the park’s clientele, suggesting that the linkage between the islands and mainland tourism is beginning to take shape.
He said there remains significant room for growth, particularly through coordinated promotion and improved travel packages that connect the two destinations.
Mikumi, one of the most accessible national parks in the country, continues to attract both domestic and international tourists, supported by relatively short travel times including flights of about 40 minutes from Zanzibar and improving transport infrastructure.
