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Saudi Arabia Takes Strong Action Against Unauthorized Travel Agencies in Riyadh to Uphold Industry Standards
Monday, July 14, 2025
In a decisive move to strengthen its tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has taken robust action against unauthorized travel agencies in Riyadh. The Ministry of Tourism recently shut down 10 such agencies for operating without proper licenses and offering substandard Umrah and visitation packages. This crackdown is part of a broader initiative to uphold industry standards, ensuring that only licensed and compliant operators provide services to both residents and international visitors. By taking these steps, Saudi Arabia aims to safeguard the integrity of its rapidly growing tourism industry and protect the rights of travelers.
Saudi Arabia Takes Strict Action Against Unauthorized Travel Operators to Safeguard Tourism Integrity
In a major crackdown to regulate the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has shut down 10 travel service offices in Riyadh for violating multiple tourism-related regulations. These offices were found operating without the necessary licenses and offering unauthorized Umrah and visitation packages, including transportation and accommodation that did not meet the official standards.
The Ministry’s actions come as part of its continuous effort to uphold the integrity of the tourism industry, ensuring that only licensed and compliant agencies provide services to both residents and international visitors. With Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global tourism hub, it is vital to maintain a high standard of service and safeguard the rights of those visiting the Kingdom for religious, cultural, or leisure purposes.
Violations Linked to Unlicensed Operations
The investigation that led to the closure of the 10 agencies uncovered severe infractions. These included the use of unlicensed vehicles for transporting pilgrims and other visitors, which posed significant risks to the safety and well-being of travelers. Additionally, these agencies provided accommodation in facilities that had not been authorized by the Ministry in key pilgrimage cities like Makkah and Madinah. The unauthorized services raised concerns regarding the safety, quality, and overall reliability of the offerings, leading to an urgent intervention by the Ministry.
The Ministry has been consistent in ensuring that only businesses complying with all legal and operational requirements are allowed to function within the Kingdom’s tourism landscape. By closing these offices, the Ministry is reiterating its commitment to maintaining a regulated environment that promotes only safe, secure, and professional travel experiences for all visitors.
Strengthening Compliance with Licensing and Operational Standards
As part of the Ministry’s ongoing strategy to streamline and strengthen the tourism sector, regular inspections of travel agencies across the Kingdom are conducted to identify any irregularities or violations. These inspections specifically focus on whether travel agencies are operating within their permitted scope and adhering to all local regulations. The Ministry also places significant emphasis on ensuring that all travel operators have the required licenses to avoid illegal or fraudulent activities, which could undermine the country’s reputation as a key global tourism destination.
The closure of the 10 offices is a clear indication of the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy towards non-compliance. It is part of an ongoing effort to enforce the highest standards in the tourism and hospitality sectors, ensuring that every service provider is accountable for its offerings. In addition to protecting visitors’ rights, this move aims to improve the overall quality of services within Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism industry.
Legal Penalties and Long-Term Impact
The Ministry has made it clear that those found guilty of violating tourism regulations will face serious legal consequences. Violators could be fined up to SR50,000, with the penalty potentially rising to SR1 million for repeat offenders. In the most severe cases, travel service offices may face permanent closure, further emphasizing the Ministry’s dedication to upholding rigorous standards in tourism-related activities.
These actions send a strong message to all travel service providers that the Ministry will not tolerate deviations from the law. It also serves as a warning to unlicensed agencies that they must comply with official licensing processes and operational guidelines or face significant consequences.
Ensuring a Safe and Trustworthy Travel Experience
In line with its regulatory efforts, the Ministry of Tourism is also encouraging both tourists and residents to engage only with officially licensed travel agencies. Licensed operators are held to high standards of service and professionalism, ensuring that visitors receive reliable and secure travel experiences. To further protect the public, the Ministry has urged citizens to report any suspicious activities or complaints about tourism services via the unified tourism call center at 930. This initiative aims to create a collaborative environment where both the government and the public work together to combat illegal and unregulated tourism services.
As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve as a prominent global travel destination, these measures are essential in ensuring that all aspects of the tourism experience are seamless, secure, and trustworthy. By prioritizing regulatory enforcement, the Ministry is ensuring that visitors can confidently explore the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, religious landmarks, and modern attractions without fear of exploitation or harm.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Tourism’s decision to close 10 travel offices for breaching regulations marks a decisive step toward ensuring the integrity of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. These actions serve as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to building a sustainable and reliable tourism infrastructure that benefits both residents and international travelers. With rigorous enforcement of licensing requirements, tourists can rest assured that their travel experiences will be safe, trustworthy, and of the highest quality. Through continued vigilance, Saudi Arabia is setting an example for the region and the world in maintaining a professional, regulated, and world-class tourism environment.
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