The Saudi Red Sea Authority has recently granted 12 new licenses aimed at tourism shipping agents, cruise ship operators, and those involved in marine tourism construction and operations. This initiative also includes technical licenses for recreational marine activities, further demonstrating the authority’s commitment to advancing the development of the coastal tourism sector.
Key operators
Among the newly issued licenses in the past two months are a tourism shipping agent license for Deep Seas Shipping Agency and three licenses for marine tourism marina operators: Sindalah Marina in NEOM, Dolphin Beach Resort in Yanbu, and the Jeddah Municipality Marina. Additionally, the authority has issued a permit for the construction of a marine tourism marina at Sindalah Island Marina in NEOM, a cruise ship operator license for Red Sea Cruises (Cruise Saudi), a route license for cruise ships, and five technical recreational tourism licenses. These include four for yacht companies and one for AROYA Cruise Limited.
Core responsibilities
This initiative is in line with the authority’s fundamental responsibilities, which involve issuing essential licenses and permits to manage maritime and tourism activities, establishing standards and guidelines for marine tourism marinas, and promoting coastal tourism to attract tourists, operators, and investors. These efforts are aimed at fulfilling the authority’s goals of building and nurturing a thriving coastal tourism sector.
Read more: How are UAE, Saudi Arabia leading way in sustainable tourism?
Impact on coastal tourism
Moreover, the licenses granted by the authority play a crucial role in enhancing tourism activities by cultivating an appealing coastal environment that invites investment and attracts tourists to the Red Sea destinations. This, in turn, supports the growth of coastal tourism and significantly contributes to the national economy.
A step forward for Saudi tourism
The issuance of these licenses marks a significant advancement in the development of coastal tourism in Saudi Arabia, enhancing its appeal to investors. They also underscore the authority’s dedication to regulating maritime and tourism activities, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for tourists in the Red Sea, thereby solidifying its status as a premier global tourism destination.
