AL-HOFUF: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has warned against carrying out any tourism activity without a license, a violation that can lead to a fine of SR100,000.

“As per tourism regulations, no tourism activity such as operating tourist accommodation facilities, organizing tourism trips and agencies, operating or marketing bookings and accommodation services, or offering tourism guidance can be practiced without the necessary license,” the xommission said.

Abdullatif bin Mohammed Al-Banya, the commission’s acting general director in Al-Ahsa, said during a workshop for tourism professionals on Wednesday that tourism regulations will help boost the development of national tourism, in line with broader state and tourism strategies. “There is no doubt that tourism is a large industry and an important economic sector, and the commission, since its establishment, has worked on supporting tourism activities to boost national income and promote awareness about our country’s nature and heritage.”

Obeid bin Molhan, director of the department of legal advice at SCTNH, said tourism laws aim to regulate the relationship between tourism facilities and services, and all those who practice these activities or benefit from them. He said the authority issues classification certifications to tourism facilities, accommodation sites and activities, as per regulations, as well as monitors pricing lists and advertisements at accommodation sites to ensure compliance. He said the regulation grants SCTNH the use of government land, upon approval, to establish tourism projects in cooperation with the private sector.