New Saudi Tourism Law Targets Violators in 2025
The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia wants to impose much more stringent regulations on the travel industry. On the “Istithlaa” platform, a government website for public comment, they have posted a draft of these suggested changes. The primary objective of these reforms is to protect the nation’s tourist attractions and its status as a top travel destination.
Don’t risk ruining a destination.
The new regulations focus on penalizing specific behaviors that are considered extremely detrimental. For example, someone would face severe consequences if they attacked or damaged a well-known tourist destination or any other significant tourism asset. The law covers acts that diminish the significance or worth of these locations in addition to physical harm.
The cost of disparagingÂ
Additionally, the proposal makes purposefully damaging Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry’s international reputation a serious crime. The legislation implies that disseminating inaccurate or harmful information that might deter travelers could result in harsh consequences.
Do you lack a license? Get ready for a major issue.
Unlicensed tourism is the focus of another important aspect of the new law. It declares that the harshest penalties will be meted out to those who, after being found guilty, carry on running a tourism business without the required official license or permit. This goal is to guarantee that all tourism services adhere to official safety and quality standards.
Offenders Face Mega-Fines and Jail Time
The suggested penalties are among the harshest that have been seen for these serious infractions. A convicted individual faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a fine of up to three million Saudi riyals. Depending on the circumstances, the court could impose either a fine or a jail sentence, or only one of these two punishments.
Introducing the New Tourism Police
Significant new powers will be granted to the ministry’s inspectors to ensure compliance with these regulations. They will have the authority to function as officers in charge of criminal investigations. This implies that they are able to formally identify and investigate infractions in addition to conducting inspections.
Inspectors Can Now Search and Seize
Their new rights include the ability to question staff members during an inspection, receive and look into public complaints, and examine all relevant documents and data at a facility. Any item they think was used to violate the rules may also be seized, but they will need to provide a thorough report outlining the reason and duration of the item’s removal.
Work together
The law makes it very clear that no one can stop these inspectors from carrying out their duties. The law mandates that all tourism facility owners and staff cooperate completely and offer the inspectors any help they require.
The Repercussions Are Serious for Businesses
Last but not least, the Ministry has the authority to punish companies for a variety of other infractions of tourism laws, not only the serious offenses listed above. Examples of these penalties include a formal warning, a hefty fine of up to one million riyals, a reduction in the facility’s classification rating, a suspension of its license for up to a year, or even an order to temporarily or permanently close the business.
The Law Will Be Heard in Court
The Public Prosecution will handle serious crime investigations and take them to court.
