Manama: The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced the closure of a travel and tourism office after confirming that it had organised tour packages without obtaining the required licence from the authority, in violation of the regulations governing tourism activities in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the authority initiated the necessary administrative measures within its jurisdiction in accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures. This followed reports that a number of Bahraini citizens were unable to enter the Syrian Arab Republic after certain travel and tourism offices failed to obtain the required security approvals and complete the necessary regulatory procedures before travel.
It added that administrative and legal measures would be taken against any office found to have organised trips before obtaining the required permits and approvals or failing to comply with the approved regulatory requirements.
The authority said travel and tourism offices organising tourism and religious trips are required to obtain all security approvals, permits, and regulatory procedures required by the authorities of the destination country before operating any trip. It noted that this helps safeguard travellers' rights, prevent avoidable obstacles, delays, and inconvenience, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The authority added that it will continue regulating the travel and tourism sector and enhancing its oversight by monitoring travel and tourism offices' compliance with the approved regulations and requirements. It said this would enhance professional and contractual compliance, protect customers' rights, ensure services are provided in accordance with the highest standards of quality and reliability, strengthen travellers' confidence, and support the sustainable growth of Bahrain's tourism sector.
The authority also urged citizens and residents to use licensed travel and tourism offices and ensure that all required permits, approvals, and procedures have been completed before travelling to safeguard their rights, obtain reliable travel services, and avoid any obstacles that could affect their trips.