In order to woo holidaymakers, Saudi Arabia has launched a new tourist visa regime which lets foreign men and women rent hotel rooms together without proving their relations, according to the report. Unmarried foreigners can now stay together in a country where sex outside marriage is banned.
Breaking away from the stringent norms that were earlier in use, the conservative kingdom even permits women, including Saudis to book hotel rooms by themselves. This new regulation comes as a welcoming sign for unaccompanied women by encouraging them to travel more.
According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage “All Saudi nationals are asked to show family ID or proof of relationship on checking into hotels. This is not required of foreign tourists. All women, including Saudis, can book and stay in hotels alone, providing ID on check-in.”
Saudi Arabia opened its doors last week to foreign tourists from 49 countries as it tries to grow that sector and diversify its economy away from oil exports. In that move, it announced that visitors need not wear all-covering black robes but should dress modestly. However alcohol remains banned.
