The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is pursuing unauthorized agencies that organize tourist trips to archeological sites in the Kingdom without obtaining the required licenses from the SCTA for such activities. The commission said it permits tourist agencies to organize their trips in the Kingdom provided they are authorized and licensed. The names of the registered agencies are circulated to government departments so as to give the agencies credibility in receiving the region's guests and providing the distinctive services. The agencies furthermore should hire tourist guides who are licensed by the SCTA. The SCTA said these measures are being taken after the commission noticed clear violations of the concept of tourism in the Kingdom's regions. Tourists were being misled with incorrect information on the regions' heritage and culture as well as their tourist landmarks. Moreover, agencies were carrying out tourist programs without taking care of the required security procedures that need to be followed. The SCTA said the list of names licensed to organize tourist trips includes personal data that is updated every month and published on the SCTA website. __
