SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has implemented eight pioneering regulations and four innovative technical codes meant to encourage the structured growth of coastal tourism.

The regulations and codes issued are the first of their kind in Saudi Arabia. According to an official statement by SRSA, the regulations are meant to regulate coastal tourism activities in the Red Sea.

The SRSA also revealed the regulations, together with the associated permits and licenses are meant to induce structured investments in the sector by providing a secure and formidable legislative environment with the potential for high returns and low risks.

The new regulatory framework is designed to achieve the highest possible standards of safety and security for investors, practitioners, and beneficiaries.

Each regulation affects a specific sub-facet of coastal and maritime tourism operations.

They include Cruise Ships, Visiting Private Yachts, Marine Tour Operators, Marine Tourism Watercraft Classification, Maritime Tourism Agents, Large Yacht Chartering, Marina Design and Operations, and the Saudi Yachts Regulation.

The technical codes are intended to enhance the quality of coastal tourism in the country, unifying standards and requirements for cruise terminals and marinas.

These codes include The Marina Planning and Design Code, The Cruise Terminal Planning and Design Code, The Marina Operations Code, and The Cruise Terminal Operations Code.

The four codes accommodate yachts, maritime tourism watercraft, and cruise ships within the geographical scope. These codes ensure the quality of infrastructure and target developers, planners, designers, engineers, and technicians in related industries.

According to the SRSA, the codes align with its mandates of establishing clear guidelines, standards, and rules for providing services for navigational and marine tourism.

The regulations and codes provide a clear structural framework for important tasks like the establishment of entities, management, and supervision, albeit in coordination with relevant organizations.

The regulatory body has highlighted the codes incorporate the best international practices to position the Red Sea as a leading global tourism destination.

The SRSA also reiterated the codes and regulations are in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. The authority has expressed confidence in the pioneering nature of the regulations, which it expects will pioneer similar regulations across the Middle East.

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