JEDDAH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage has notified tour operators of the decision to ban organized tours to military, border or customs areas without first obtaining the permission of the relevant authorities.

This decision comes as part of a number of moves approved by the commission to organize the activities of tour operators, according to a local source. He pointed out that commitments included refraining from dealing with any tour guide who doesn’t have a valid license, as well as those who do not follow the proper guidelines for the organization of Haj and Umrah visitors.

According to the source, the commission told tour operators that it is prohibited to accept money from clients during the marketing process as an insurance sum to guarantee their receipt of the offer in the future. The commission also stated that it is forbidden to offer the clients benefits or give them false information as a means to lure them into accepting the offer and signing a contract.