ZANZIBAR, April 17 -- ZANZIBAR saw international tourist arrivals rise 8.7 per cent year-on-year in March, signaling a resilient recovery in the Isles primary economic engine.

Data released by the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) shows 65,581 visitors entered the territory during the month, up from 60,345 in March 2025.

While the annual trajectory remains positive, the figures reveal a 24.5 per cent month-on-month contraction from Februarys peak of 86,839 arrivals. Analysts attributed the dip to standard seasonal volatility in the Indian Ocean tourism circuit.

The data were presented by Tourism Statistician Ms Fatma Hilal Mohammed from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS), who said the year-on-year g...