Zanzibar won Africa’s Leading Beach Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards, announced at the Africa Gala Ceremony held on the island on August 28, 2026. Tanzania as a whole also took Africa’s Leading Destination for the second year running, and the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism picked up Africa’s Leading Regional Tourist Board — pushing the combined Tanzania/Zanzibar tally past 20 World Travel Awards titles.
The numbers behind the award
The win comes alongside real growth: Tanzania recorded 2,294,495 visitor arrivals in 2025, up 7.1% on the year before, with tourism earnings of $4.41 billion, up 13%. For travelers choosing between Zanzibar’s luxury resorts and other Indian Ocean islands, an award like this is a reminder that the island’s beach credentials are being recognized well beyond the usual “hidden gem” framing — it’s increasingly a mainstream luxury and honeymoon destination in its own right.
Good to know
Awards reflect industry votes, not a single ranking method. Treat this as one credible signal of Zanzibar’s standing among beach destinations, alongside your own research into what matters for your trip.