Pemba Island, one of the main islands of the Zanzibar archipelago, is set to undergo a significant transformation with the construction of a new international airport. The announcement was made by Zanzibari President Hussein Ali Mwinyi on Wednesday, during the renaming ceremony of a tourist hotel in Matemwe on Pemba Island.
President Mwinyi highlighted the strategic importance of this development, stating, “We need to open up Pemba Island and make it an attractive destination for tourists from across the world and other visitors.” The new airport is expected to elevate Pemba’s profile as a prime tourist destination by facilitating direct international flights, thus making travel more convenient for visitors.
Currently, Pemba Island is serviced by a small airport that only accommodates light aircraft. The new facility, however, will be capable of handling large planes, thereby enhancing its connectivity with global destinations. President Mwinyi disclosed that the Zanzibari government has already signed an agreement for the airport’s construction, although he did not provide details on the contractors involved.
The expansion of Pemba’s airport infrastructure comes at a time when Zanzibar is experiencing a tourism boom. Official statistics reveal that international tourist arrivals surged by an impressive 16.4 percent in 2023, with the archipelago welcoming a record 638,498 visitors. This upward trend underscores the region’s growing appeal as a travel hotspot.
The new international airport is poised to further stimulate this growth, providing a significant boost to the local economy and creating new opportunities for residents. By enhancing accessibility and improving the overall visitor experience, the Zanzibari government aims to position Pemba Island as a premier destination within the global tourism market.
As the project progresses, it will be crucial to balance development with the preservation of Pemba’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, ensuring that the island retains its unique charm that attracts tourists in the first place.
