TUI Group has continued the growth of its hotel segment with an expansion of its long-haul portfolio.

Through the acquisition of a resort in East Africa’s island of Zanzibar, the tourism group has complemented its portfolio in the Indian Ocean.

The Dream of Zanzibar hotel will be operated by TUI as of now.

In this context, all existing reservations will be taken over and honoured.

In the 2019/20 winter season, the hotel will then be repositioned as TUI Blue Zanzibar.

With the takeover of the resort designed in the African-Arab architectural style, the new lifestyle hotel brand will make its debut establishing its concept focused on authentic experiences within the holiday region in a long-haul destination.

“In delivering our growth roadmap, we are increasingly looking for holiday destinations facilitating profitable year-round operation due to their consistently warm climate,” said TUI Blue managing director, Artur Gerber.

“The Dream of Zanzibar hotel already features a very good occupancy rate and high customer satisfaction levels.

“The destination also features a wide range of cultural influences and excursion options.

“These are optimum conditions enabling us to create a unique holiday experience for our guests with our new hotel brand.”

The island off Tanzania’s coast is renowned for its spices, white beaches and cultural diversity.

Attractive excursion destinations also include Stone Town, the historical old part of Zanzibar City, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.