Increase in sports tourism in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is attracting international sports visitors for its annual triathlon and marathon competitions.Although it may not be the first destination that many people in the United Kingdom think of when it comes to sports tourism, the ongoing growth and success of the annual triathlon and marathon events are drawing an increasing amount of international attention to sport in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is officially part of the United Republic of Tanzania, although it is semi-autonomous and the fact that its territory consists of a number of islands of some 16 to 30 miles off the coast of the Tanzanian mainland gives it a feel of being a separate entity.
The international triathlon and marathon have proved to be a successful attraction to international sports' people and sport spectators in recent years, and the early November events are now easier to reach for potential participants from the United Kingdom, with flights being operated to Zanzibar from London Heathrow airport.
Zanzibar is located off the coast of the rest of Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean, and although it can be reached from the Tanzanian principle city of Dar es Salaam, the increasing numbers of triathlon and marathon participants from Europe are more likely to look for a direct route when travelling to the islands. This is now possible thanks to the London Heathrow departure and as the international triathlon and marathon grow and attract even more international visitors, the route is likely to become more popular.
