Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), said work on the new tourism law is nearly complete and may be passed this year. The prince spoke to reporters about the new law after opening a new SCTA licensing office in Makkah. He said all new hotels in the kingdom will be classified based on international standards, and hotels licenses will be issued only to those hotels that meet all necessary conditions.
Prince Sultan said all hotels have been given sufficient time to correct their situation so that they can obtain licenses. The commission has signed 72 partnership agreements with the government and private sector. “We have made a proposal to set up professional associations in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The SCTA has discussed the pricing of hotels and furnished apartments with the ministry of commerce and industry, investors, and the hospitality committee and a decision will be made soon.
