ZANZIBAR has recorded a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with 67,496 visitors entering the Isles in June 2025, marking a 30.9 percent rise compared to the same period last year.

Hassan Ameir Vuai, an executive with the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, cited data from the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) when speaking to journalists here yesterday, noting that June arrivals showed an 82.2 percent increase from 37,038 visitors recorded in the previous month.

He attributed this increase to the Isles appearing as a world-class destination, noting that Europe led other regions with 62 percent of total arrivals (41,872 tourists).

It was followed by Africa with 10,670 visitors (15.8 percent) and Asia with 7,988 visitors (11.8 percent), while Oceania contributed 868 arrivals, or 1.3 percent of the total, he said.

Germany was the leading source of visitors in June, contributing 6,360 tourists (9.4 percent), followed by the UK (5,189), France (5,090), the USA (4,356) and Poland (4,129).

About 91 percent of all visitors arrived by air, with nine coming by the sea, while men accounted for 52.3 percent of all arrivals (35,287) and women comprised 47.7 percent (32,209), he said.

The vast majority—99.2 percent, visited for leisure, while 0.5 percent came to visit friends and relatives, and a comparable 0.3 percent came for business or other purposes, he specified.

The average length of stay was seven days, significantly contributing to the local economy through the purchase of tourism-related services, he stated, highlighting efforts by security units to curb illegal fishing activities in Chwaka Bay.

There is need for stronger marine surveillance and more resources to protect marine biodiversity, he declared, while Lieutenant Hussein Kassim Makame, commander of the Zanzibar anti-smuggling unit (KMKM) handed over confiscated fishing vessels to their owners.

He said the unit is bent on stepping up patrols to eliminate unlawful fishing practices, stressing that the laws are not designed to punish citizens, but rather to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

Illegal fishing is damaging coral reefs vital for fish breeding and growth, thereby threatening long-term food security and viable returns for coastal communities, he stated, affirming that patrols have noticed many offences at sea.

These include piracy and smuggling, with the most frequent ones being illegal fishing, he said, expressing the need for additional patrol vessels and security equipment to bolster the unit’s operational capabilities.

A better-equipped force would be more effective in deterring environmental crimes, he said, while Ali Mwalimu Mahfoudh, fisheries officer at Unguja Central District, appealed to fishermen to adhere to fishing regulations protecting marine sanctuaries and ecosystems.

“Long-term confiscation of fishing vessels is not ideal,” he stated, asserting that it affects household incomes and can even damage outboard motors, creating further losses. “But it is a necessary enforcement mechanism. We want our fisheries to thrive sustainably, the official intoned.

Compliance with fishing regulations not only helps protect the ocean but also frees individuals from the fear of arrest and prosecution, he remarked, while the fishermen’s representative, Khamis Hassan Khamis working from the Chwaka area hailed government agencies for cooperation and awareness campaigns, pledging to help educate other fishermen on sustainable practices.

“Yes, we made mistakes,” he admitted, insisting that the fishermen have learned a lot and appreciate the knowledge shared with them. “We will pass it on to others so we can all work together in protecting our oceans and resources,” he vowed.

In total, nine fishing vessels, including eight dugout canoes and one modern boat, all with engines and nets, were seized by the security unit three months ago during operations in Chwaka Bay. Over 40 fishermen were involved and each was fined 100,000/- before their equipment was returned to them, the officer added.