The Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) is to put all travel agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under its jurisdiction.
The proposal is part of a tourism development plan that has been submitted by the SCT to the Shoura (consultative) Council for approval, according to Dr Mohammad Al-Heezan, SCT Media Director.
The Commission is optimistic that once the plan has final approval by the Shoura Council, its implementation will significantly improve the tourism sector, Dr Al-Heezan told the Saudi Gazette.
Travel agencies have welcomed the plan. Under the current set-up, travel companies and agencies come under jurisdiction of the Presidency of Civil Aviation.
There are over 2,800 travel companies and agencies operating throughout the Kingdom, representing a total investment of over SR2.8 billion. The Commission said that the travel industry will generate 2.3 million jobs for Saudis over the forthcoming 20 years.
Source: SPA
