Last week, the PGI (Pilgram Group International) team proudly represented Zanzibar at KARIBU-KILIFAIR 2026, East Africa’s largest tourism and travel trade fair. Held from June 4 to 7, 2026 at the Magereza Grounds in Arusha, Tanzania, KILIFAIR 2026 once again brought together the entire regional hospitality ecosystem – hotels, resorts, lodges, tour operators, travel agents, suppliers, and destination marketers – for several days of business, discovery, and connection. For PGI, it was more than an exhibition. It was a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people shaping the future of tourism in East Africa.
Why KILIFAIR 2026 Matters for East Africa Tourism
KARIBU-KILIFAIR has grown into the beating heart of the East African tourism calendar. The 2026 edition welcomed more than 500 exhibitors from over 15 countries and tens of thousands of trade visitors across a sprawling outdoor expo, all gathered under one banner: showcasing the very best of the region’s destinations, experiences, and hospitality. From the plains of the Serengeti and the peak of Kilimanjaro to the turquoise waters and spice-scented streets of Zanzibar, KILIFAIR 2026 was a living map of everything that makes East Africa one of the world’s most exciting travel frontiers.
What makes the fair so valuable is its focus on real business. Speed-networking sessions, B2B meetings, tourism workshops, and live-stage discussions turn casual conversations into lasting partnerships. For a company like PGI, whose mission is to support the hospitality industry with premium products and dependable service, there is simply no better place to be than in the room where hoteliers, chefs, procurement managers, and operators are actively looking for partners they can trust.
Zanzibar Day and the Zanzibar Pavilion
One of the highlights of KILIFAIR 2026 was Zanzibar Day and the vibrant Zanzibar Pavilion, where the archipelago showed the world that it is so much more than a beach destination. Under themes such as “Zanzibar beyond the beaches” and a panel discussion on the sustainability and practicality of tourism in Zanzibar, the pavilion celebrated the island’s culture, cuisine, heritage, and its growing reputation as a world-class, responsible travel destination. It was inspiring to see Zanzibar so proudly represented, and PGI was honoured to be part of that story.
As Zanzibar continues to diversify its tourism offering – from cultural tours and culinary experiences to sustainable and community-based travel – the businesses that supply and support its hotels and restaurants play a vital role. Every memorable guest experience begins behind the scenes, with quality ingredients, reliable supply chains, and partners who understand what excellent hospitality really demands.
Connecting With Hospitality Leaders Across the Region
Throughout the fair, our team connected with hospitality professionals, hotel owners, resort managers, tour operators, suppliers, and industry leaders from across East Africa and beyond. It was an incredible few days of networking, learning, and building new relationships. Every conversation reinforced one clear message: the hospitality and tourism industry across the region continues to grow, creating exciting opportunities for businesses that are genuinely committed to quality and service.
We listened as much as we shared. Hoteliers spoke about the rising expectations of international guests, chefs talked about consistency and sourcing, and operators described the pressure of scaling service without compromising standards. These are exactly the challenges PGI is built to solve, and hearing them first-hand at KILIFAIR 2026 sharpened our focus on how we can add even more value to our partners in the year ahead.
How PGI Supports Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts
At its core, PGI exists to make hospitality businesses stronger. We supply hotels, restaurants, resorts, lodges, and catering operations with premium food products and dependable service, backed by a supply chain built for consistency. In an industry where a single missed delivery or an inconsistent ingredient can affect a guest’s entire experience, reliability is not a luxury – it is the foundation of a great reputation.
That is why events like KARIBU-KILIFAIR 2026 matter so much to us. They let us meet partners face to face, understand their menus and their guests, and tailor our support to what each property actually needs. Whether it is a boutique hotel in Stone Town, a beach resort on the Zanzibar coast, or a safari lodge on the mainland, PGI is committed to being the partner that hospitality businesses can build on with confidence.
Zanzibar as a World-Class Tourism Destination
As Zanzibar continues to strengthen its position as a world-class tourism destination, PGI is proud to play its part. The island’s blend of pristine beaches, rich Swahili culture, historic Stone Town, and warm hospitality is drawing more international visitors every year – and with that growth comes responsibility. Delivering the quality that global travellers expect requires an entire network of committed local businesses working together, from farms and suppliers to hotels and restaurants.
By supporting the hospitality sector with premium food products and reliable service, PGI helps hotels and restaurants across Zanzibar and East Africa focus on what they do best: creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. When the region’s tourism thrives, so do the communities, the livelihoods, and the businesses behind it – and that shared success is exactly what KILIFAIR 2026 is all about.
Thank You, KILIFAIR
We are grateful to everyone who took the time to meet with us and learn more about PGI. A special thank you to the KARIBU-KILIFAIR team for creating a platform where East Africa’s tourism community can come together, do business, and imagine what comes next. Thank you as well to the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism and every partner who made Zanzibar Day such a success.
KILIFAIR 2026 has ended, but the partnerships and opportunities it sparked are just beginning. We can’t wait to build on these new relationships, support even more hospitality businesses across Zanzibar and East Africa, and see everyone again at the next edition. From all of us at PGI – asante sana, and here’s to the exciting road ahead.
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