TUI Launches Flights to Affordable Island Alternative to Maldives and Mauritius
There are direct flights, resort hotels, and excursions on sale from July. The turquoise ocean water and the luxurious resort on Kiwengwa beach in Zanzibar are now more accessible than ever.
TUI UK&I’s Winter 2027 programme will go on sale on July 2, 2026, with new direct flights to Zanzibar in response to growing demand for alternative long-haul winter sun destinations. The new route will depart from London Gatwick twice weekly, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays from November 3, 2027, with the last outbound flight for the season on March 22, 2028, giving customers the chance to secure early winter sun in the Indian Ocean.
Known as the ‘Spice Island’ thanks to its farming industry history, Zanzibar also offers a mix of white-sand beaches, thick green forests, mangroves, and flat grasslands - all within an hour’s drive of each other. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town in Zanzibar city adds a rich cultural dimension.
Year-round temperatures of 23C - 32C make the destination a winter sun option for both families, and it is a more affordable alternative to Indian Ocean favourites like the Maldives and Mauritius. Zanzibar offers holidays beyond the beach, with a wide range of excursions available through TUI Musement. One of the biggest draws is the chance to pair an island escape with a safari, with experiences that begin with short flights to neighbouring national parks Nyerere and Serengeti. From there, holidaymakers can head out in search of elephants, lions, and giraffes.
TUI Musement also offers its own National Park and Spice Farm Tour, where customers can spot rare red colobus monkeys, visit a local upcycling centre, and discover more about Zanzibar’s history as ‘The Spice Island’. TUI’s hotel portfolio in Zanzibar runs from all-inclusive resorts and adults-only hotels to premium beachfront properties.
Highlights include the TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar, known for its beachside setting on the north-east coast of the island and its food offering with five restaurants, four bars, and three pools. The Mora Zanzibar, a five-star resort focused on personalised luxury experiences, features suites with private pools and family rooms that sleep up to five guests. TUI Hotels & Resorts currently operates eight hotels on the island, alongside partners including RIU and JAZ.
Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK&I, said: “We’re really excited to be launching our direct flights to Zanzibar, making it easier than ever for customers to swap winter in the UK for island paradise. With our established hotel portfolio already in place, we’re confident Zanzibar will be a standout addition to our Winter 2027 programme, tapping into growing demand for long‑haul destinations that deliver both experience and value.
“By introducing flights from the UK, we’re opening up everything the island has to offer, from white‑sand beaches and rich culture to unforgettable excursions, all brought together in one seamless package. As always, our holidays are designed to take the stress out of planning, giving customers complete confidence when booking their winter escape.”
Zanzibar forms part of TUI’s wider Winter 2027 programme, which features over 50 destinations and more than 2,000 hotels across short-haul and long-haul routes. The launch also includes free kids’ places during school holidays, available at 60 hotels across the Balearics, Canaries, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Mainland Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey.
