Zanzibar is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to enhance its tourism sector, improve visitor services, and increase its global competitiveness. The initiative was highlighted during the 2026 World Tourism Day celebrations, which brought together stakeholders from across the tourism industry. The move aims to leverage technology to improve tourism services, making information more accessible and increasing efficiency in areas such as destination marketing and visitor communication.
According to Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, AI can play a significant role in improving the visitor experience. He noted that AI can help tourists obtain information about destinations, accommodation facilities, attractions, and activities, making travel planning easier. Additionally, AI can promote Zanzibar's beaches, marine attractions, historical sites, culture, and heritage, raising the islands' profile in international tourism markets.
The Zanzibar government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the use of technology and innovation across the tourism sector. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, emphasized the government's willingness to work with the private sector to promote AI and digital technologies. This collaboration aims to improve tourism services, market attractions, and increase the sector's contribution to communities and the national economy.
The government's commitment aligns with this year's World Tourism Day theme, 'Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.' Dr. Kijaji highlighted the importance of technology in transforming the industry. Meanwhile, Dr. Aboud noted that the government has invested in infrastructure supporting tourism, including roads, airports, ports, water, electricity, health services, security, and communication systems.
The next step, according to Dr. Aboud, is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to use emerging technologies, participate in innovation, and develop systems that improve efficiency and competitiveness in the tourism industry. This initiative aims to enable young people to become drivers of the sector's future growth. The Chairman of the Zanzibar Tourism Development College Council, Mr. Ali Amour, also urged young people to acquire professional skills that would enable them to contribute to the sector's growth.
According to UN Tourism figures, 1.5 billion international tourists travelled in 2025, spending about 1.8 trillion US dollars, equivalent to an average of 1,200 US dollars per visitor. The representative of GIZ, Nicolas Lamade, emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and pledged continued cooperation with the government to promote sustainable tourism practices.
The German government, through GIZ, will continue working with Zanzibar to promote sustainable tourism, linking tourism with the blue economy while protecting beaches, forests, marine resources, and cultural heritage for future generations. Digital technologies can also improve water and energy efficiency, strengthen waste management, and support better monitoring of marine resources, ensuring local communities benefit from innovation.
Key points
- Zanzibar is exploring AI and digital technologies to enhance its tourism sector and global competitiveness.
- The government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the use of technology and innovation across the tourism sector.
- The initiative aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to use emerging technologies and participate in innovation.
