The Zanzibar authorities on Monday assured foreign tourists of their personal safety and property security.

Issa Ahmed Othman, chairman of the Zanzibar Tourist Board, made the promise after the United States and Britain had warned their nationals about trips to the Indian Ocean archipelago during the Zanzibar polls.

The official said that foreign tourists should not be afraid to come to Zanzibar even though the general elections are slated for later this month.

Peace and stability should prevail in Zanzibar in spite of the fact that the general elections would be held on October 30, Othman said.

Othman refuted the claim that there was a lack of safety in Zanzibar and urged foreign tourists not to fear because the Zanzibar government had taken strong preventive measures.

Election is only a democratic process in the country and there is nothing to fear, said the official who added that the Zanzibar policy toward tourism focuses on safety and security of tourists and their belongings.

Between late August and mid-September this year, armed bandits had made away thousands of dollars worth of cash and valuables from two tourist hotels in Zanzibar.

Local police have already detained 10 suspects alleged to have been involved in the armed robbery.

Tourism has improved to become the second pillar of the Zanzibar economy, behind spice production and exports.

Tourism has accounted for 21 percent of the Zanzibar gross domestic product.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2005)