The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) has apprehended three foreign nationals accused of conducting tour and excursion operations in Zanzibar contrary to the laws and regulations governing tourism activities.

In a public notice issued on August 17, 2026, the commission identified the individuals as Esther Mutheu Samuka, Mukembo Emmanuel and Kirungi Scovia.

The commission said the action was taken in accordance with the Zanzibar Tourism Act No. 6 of 2009, which provides for the regulation and control of tourism activities in Zanzibar.

Under Section 19(b) of the law, “Tour operation and shuttle boat businesses are reserved for Zanzibaris.”

The ZCT said the arrests were part of efforts to enforce tourism regulations and ensure that visitors engage only licensed and legally recognised tour operators when undertaking tours, excursions and other tourism-related activities.

“The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism further wishes to alert the general public and all visitors to Zanzibar to exercise caution and ensure that they engage only licensed and legally recognized tour operators when undertaking tours, excursions, or other tourism-related activities,” the notice said.

The commission said it had acted in collaboration with the Immigration Department and warned that appropriate legal and administrative action would continue to be taken against individuals found operating tourism businesses in contravention of the Zanzibar Tourism Act and other applicable laws and regulations.

“In this regard, the Commission in collaboration with the Immigration Department, has taken the necessary action against the individuals apprehended and will continue to take appropriate legal and administrative action against anyone found conducting tourism business in contravention of the Zanzibar Tourism Act No. 6 of 2009 and other applicable laws and regulations,” the commission said.