Tourism Ministry intensifies inspections across summer destinations, records 170 violations
JEDDAH — The Ministry of Tourism has stepped up its regulatory oversight of tourism activity providers across various summer destinations in cities and regions throughout the Kingdom, carrying out approximately 2,750 inspection visits over the past month.
These inspections resulted in the detection of around 170 violations, as part of the Ministry's efforts to ensure that all providers of tourism-related activities are properly licensed in accordance with the Tourism Law.
The campaign aims to protect the rights of tourists and visitors — both domestic and international — during the peak of Saudi Arabia's summer tourism season.
In the Asir region alone, the Ministry's inspection teams conducted more than 420 visits, uncovering over 25 violations.
In Taif, more than 360 inspections were carried out, resulting in about 25 violations.
Meanwhile, in Jeddah, over 1,680 inspections were conducted, revealing more than 110 violations.
In Al-Baha, more than 280 inspections led to the discovery of five violations.
The Ministry stressed that all tourism activity providers — including travel agencies, tourism consultancies, and event organizers — must adhere to the provisions of the Tourism Law and its regulations to safeguard the interests of tourists.
It also urged the public to report any complaints or service-related issues by contacting the unified tourism center at 930.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
14 hours ago
- Leaders
Nusuk App Goes Offline to Enhance Saudi Pilgrimage Experience
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched an exciting new feature for the Nusuk app as pilgrims now can access the app without using any internet data, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). This innovative initiative aims to enhance the digital experience for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. The Ministry collaborated with major telecom providers, including stc, Mobily, and Zain, to implement this feature. This partnership significantly eases the journey for pilgrims, allowing them to focus on their spiritual experience rather than connectivity issues. With this new feature, local SIM card holders can utilize the Nusuk app and all its services without needing an active data plan or internet connection. Ministry spokesperson Ghassan Al-Nuwaimi emphasized that this development simplifies access to crucial services. Key Services Available Offline Pilgrims can now enjoy various services through the Nusuk app, including: Permit Services: Easily obtain necessary permits for Hajj and Umrah. Haramain High-Speed Train Tickets: Book tickets conveniently. Navigation Maps: Navigate the holy sites with ease. AI Features: Utilize artificial intelligence for personalized assistance. Reports and Inquiries: Submit questions and reports without hassle. Enhancing Crowd Management and Safety Nusuk platform CEO Ahmed Al-Maiman highlighted the expected benefits of this feature as it will improve crowd management, provide instant access to essential information, and reduce the number of lost individuals. Additionally, it will expedite the verification of permits upon entry, ensuring a smoother experience for all pilgrims. The activation of the Nusuk app for offline use marks a significant advancement in supporting pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. This initiative not only enhances the digital experience but also prioritizes the safety and convenience of all attendees. Short link : Post Views: 9 Related Stories
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia enables free Nusuk app access without data usage
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has activated full access to the Nusuk application without consuming mobile data, in collaboration with Saudi telecom operators STC, Mobily, and Zain, in a move aimed at easing pilgrims' journeys and enhancing the digital experience for Hajj and Umrah services. Ministry spokesperson Dr. Ghassan Al-Nouaimi said the initiative allows SIM card users in the Kingdom — citizens, residents, and visitors — to use all Nusuk services without an active data plan or internet connection. This includes issuing permits, making reservations, and accessing other digital services offered by the app, marking a significant step in enabling pilgrims and visitors to move between services seamlessly. Core services available without data usage include issuing permits for Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, booking Haramain High-Speed Railway tickets, navigating with Nusuk Maps, using the AI-powered 'Nusuk AI' assistant, and submitting inquiries or reports. Nusuk CEO Eng. Ahmed Al-Maiman said the collaboration is a major boost to the digital experience for pilgrims and visitors, facilitating their journey for Hajj, Umrah, or visits to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah. He noted that the initiative also enhances crowd management, enables instant access to essential information, reduces the number of lost visitors, and speeds up permit verification processes. The Ministry said the move is part of its commitment to advancing digital transformation in Hajj and Umrah services, building a fully integrated technical infrastructure that caters to diverse user needs and ensures easy, barrier-free access to services.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia launches VAT refund for tourists
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia has officially begun implementing its value-added tax (VAT) refund program for tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, enabling eligible visitors to reclaim 15% VAT on qualifying purchases through 1,442 authorized retail outlets across the Kingdom, Saudi Gazette has learned. The move is part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to enhance the tourism and shopping experience, increase Saudi Arabia's appeal as a global destination. The VAT refund system is available to non-resident tourists aged 18 and older. To qualify, total purchases must exceed SR500, and the goods must be unused, for personal use only, and exported within 90 days of purchase. Services such as accommodation and meals are excluded, as well as specific items like vehicles, boats, aircraft, food and beverages, tobacco products, and petroleum can request a VAT exemption form at the point of sale by presenting their passport or GCC ID, and may combine up to three invoices from the same retailer on the same day to reach the eligibility departure, travelers must validate their tax-free form at one of 18 verification points currently available at three international airports: 10 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, four at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and four at King Fahd International Airport in can be issued either by card or in cash, with a daily cash refund cap of SR5,000 per person. However, cash refunds are not available at the North Terminal of Jeddah's King Abdulaziz VAT refund initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism spending, streamline shopping experiences, and encourage visitors to extend their stays and explore more of Saudi Arabia's retail landscape.
