In a decisive move aimed at protecting travelers, Bahrain’s Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) recently took action against an unlicensed travel agency operating in Sanabis. This intervention was prompted by a series of complaints from citizens who had fallen victim to the agency’s unauthorized activities.
The agency, operating without the necessary license, had organized an unauthorized Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq. The situation took a turn for the worse when the tour operator disappeared without settling hotel fees amounting to BD15,000, leaving 140 Bahrainis stranded in Iraq. To add to their distress, the hotel owner in Karbala confiscated the passports of the stranded individuals as collateral for the unpaid debts.
Upon receiving these complaints, the BTEA swiftly mobilized, coordinating with the Bahraini Embassy, the Foreign Ministry, and Iraq’s Interior Ministry. Through their collaborative efforts, the passports were recovered, and the stranded citizens were safely returned to Bahrain.
The BTEA’s investigation revealed that the travel agency’s license only permitted it to offer visitor assistance services and make reservations for recreational activities, excluding air transportation. The agency’s violation of its license terms led to its immediate shutdown, and the case was referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of verifying the credentials of travel agencies before engaging their services. Travelers are urged to exercise due diligence by checking the validity of licenses and services through official portals, such as Bahrain’s Sijilat business portal. This portal allows consumers to verify the legitimacy of businesses by entering the commercial registration (CR) number or business name.
The BTEA is committed to ongoing monitoring of travel and tourism offices in collaboration with relevant government agencies. The authority emphasizes the importance of adhering to industry regulations to safeguard the interests of the public. The authorities have issued warnings that any unlicensed entity found offering travel services will face legal consequences.
This proactive approach by Bahrain’s government highlights the importance of enforcing industry regulations to protect consumers from fraudulent or unauthorized services. The incident underscores the need for vigilance and informed decision-making when planning international travel, particularly in regions where regulatory enforcement might be stringent but not always transparent. By ensuring they engage only with licensed and authorized agencies, travelers can significantly reduce their exposure to risks and enjoy a safer and more secure travel experience.
