Zanzibar tour operator fined $500 for breaching Ramadan guidelines

By Miriam Mkanaka , The Guardian

Published at 02:10 PM Mar 29 2024

Photo: File

The Zanzibar Tourism Commission emphasizes the importance of respecting the customs and traditions of the islands of Zanzibar, especially during the Ramadhan period.

Zanzibar Tourism Commission, in its public statement, has announced that it has fined the company Organisateur Francophone Tours and Travel a fine of $500 for violating the Commission's guidelines and allowing tourists to eat in public during this holy month of Ramadhan.

"Despite issuing guidelines and directives for tourism businesses to follow, the company allowed guests to eat in public. Therefore, the Commission has taken the following actions: imposed a fine of $500 and immediately suspended the tour guide of the company, Khamis M. Kahogo, from conducting any tourism activities for three months," the Commission said.

"The Zanzibar Tourism Commission emphasizes the importance of respecting the customs and traditions of the islands of Zanzibar, especially during the Ramadhan period, to promote good relations with the surrounding communities," the statement further elaborated.

This fine follows an earlier arrest of 12 individuals who were caught eating in public as Muslims were fasting.