Zanzibar launches first-ever “Visit Zanzibar” campaign on London’s iconic buses
Zanzibar has officially launched its first-ever “Visit Zanzibar” destination marketing campaign in the United Kingdom, using London’s iconic red buses to promote the archipelago to millions of residents and international visitors.
The campaign, led by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), was inaugurated in London on Tuesday by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, Mr Mbelwa Kairuki. Officials say the initiative is aimed at boosting international awareness and driving increased visitor arrivals to the islands.
It marks the first time Zanzibar has undertaken a dedicated outdoor advertising campaign in London, one of the world’s most influential global travel hubs.
The campaign follows a diplomatic visit to the UK by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi in April 2025, during which he called for more aggressive international marketing and stronger global partnerships to elevate Zanzibar’s tourism profile.
As part of the launch, fully branded “Visit Zanzibar” buses are operating from Shepherd’s Bush depot and running along high-traffic routes in central London. One of the key placements is Route 94, which passes major landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Marble Arch before heading west towards Acton.
Tourism officials say the route was chosen for its visibility, ensuring Zanzibar’s message reaches commuters, residents and visitors moving through the heart of the city each day.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Kairuki said London welcomes more than 20 million international visitors annually, making it an ideal platform to showcase Zanzibar to a global audience.
“The iconic London bus travels through the very centre of the city, passing millions of people every day. This makes it one of the most powerful and visible forms of destination advertising,” he said.
He added that the campaign aims to position Zanzibar as a premium destination offering culture, heritage and warm-weather escapes, while strengthening tourism ties between Zanzibar, Tanzania and the United Kingdom.
The Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, Mr Arif Abbas Manji, described the initiative as a historic milestone for the destination.
“This is a landmark promotional opportunity that should not be missed. It allows us to raise Zanzibar’s international profile and attract more visitors for long-term economic benefit,” he said.
The UK remains one of Zanzibar’s priority tourism source markets. Officials believe London’s role as a global gateway connecting Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa will help the campaign reach a diverse international audience.
By combining one of the world’s most recognisable advertising platforms with a city that attracts tens of millions of visitors each year, Zanzibar hopes to expand long-haul awareness, increase arrivals and stimulate future tourism investment.
