🧵 Let’s Talk: Culture, Community, and the Cost of Tourism in Zanzibar Many rural communities in Zanzibar are surrounded by luxury 5-star resorts, yet they remain in deep poverty. Children in traditional communities are growing up exposed to loud music, public drunkenness, and values that clash with their own culture. They are being turned into attractions — not celebrated for their heritage, but photographed in poverty, without dignity or consent. They are begging. They are voiceless. They are left behind. 🔴 Where is the respect? 🔴 Where is the investment in their future? 🔴 Where are the community centers, skills programs, youth hubs, or policies to protect and empower them? Let us not forget — Zanzibar once bore the scars of slavery. We must never allow a new form of exploitation through tourism that keeps locals poor, invisible, and without a voice. Tourism must not be a tool of oppression. It must be a path to dignity, prosperity, and unity. 🎯 We urge: • The Government of Zanzibar • Tourism investors and developers • Local and international NGOs • Responsible travelers and tour operators 👉 To put people first. 👉 To protect culture and community. 👉 To ensure that the people living closest to tourist hotspots are not the most forgotten. Let’s open this discussion. Share your thoughts, solutions, and ideas. It’s time to reimagine tourism as a tool for equity and empowerment. #tourismwithdignity #culturalpreservation #zanzibarvoices #responsibletravel #sustainabletourism #empowercommunities #communityfirst #stopexploitation #halaltourism #zanzibarculture #peopleoverprofit #investinpeople #tourismforgood