BTEA Shuts Down Unlicensed Travel Agency, Stresses Importance of Licensing

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by H Naser

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has taken legal action against an unlicensed travel agency, shutting down its operations and referring the case to the Public Prosecution. The agency was found to be operating without a license and engaging in illegal tourism activities.

The specific violation involved the agency making travel bookings to Iraq without proper authorisation. Furthermore, the agency failed to fulfill its financial obligations to the hotel where a group of Bahraini travelers, who had booked through the agency, were staying.

The BTEA has stressed in a statement its commitment to addressing all complaints and concerns related to the tourism sector.

"The authority works in close coordination with other relevant government agencies to ensure the proper regulation of travel and tourism agencies in the Kingdom," the statement underscored.

The BTEA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing relevant laws and regulations, emphasising the importance of public interest in this matter. The authority urged travelers to engage only with licensed and reputable travel agencies.

The BTEA has clarified that booking travel arrangements through an unlicensed agency is illegal and carries significant consequences. The authority has warned that any unlicensed entity will be held accountable for violating applicable laws and regulations.