The People’s Assembly approved, in its 11th session of the first regular session of the fourth legislative term, the draft law for licensing and practicing the profession of tourist guidance.
According to the law, reported by the Syrian official news agency (SANA) on Thursday, November 7, the tourist guide is committed to the “national approach” in political discussions, avoiding ideological and sectarian debates.
The law prohibits guiding tourists to buy gifts and items at exorbitant prices for the purpose of exploitation or illegal financial gain, and it also prohibits accepting any commission or reward from commercial institutions.
The tourist guide is required to provide information and explanations to tourists honestly and responsibly, adhering to the ethics and decorum of the profession. The guide is not allowed to accompany tourists visiting archaeological, historical, or tourist sites without a mission certified by the relevant directorate in the Ministry of Tourism or the Tourism Directorate.
It is forbidden for guides to sell visitors any photos or other goods, directly or indirectly, and they must contribute to preserving archaeological and tourist sites. Additionally, they should not distribute brochures or advertisements containing misleading information, nor publish incorrect or unverified information.
The Ministry of Tourism and its directorates in the provinces conduct annual training courses to improve performance and familiarize guides with modern techniques in their field, as well as inform them of laws, regulations, and decisions issued by the ministry and relevant public authorities. Guides are required to attend at least one training course every three years.
The tourist guide is exempt from entrance fees to museums and tourist sites, and is granted a 25% discount on accommodation in tourist facilities, with a decision issued by the Minister of Tourism specifying the maximum and minimum limits for guide fees.
Growing interest in tourism
The Syrian regime pays attention to the tourism sector through a series of decisions and procedures, including allowing licensed tourist sites to collect their service commissions in foreign currency.
The Council of Ministers stated via Facebook that Prime Minister, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, issued a decision allowing licensed tourist sites under Law 2 of 2009 to collect fees for their services in foreign currency during their operations.
The decision also permits the collection of costs for tourist services in foreign currency, depending on the nature of the service or the tourist programs announced by these sites, after obtaining the necessary approvals and in accordance with existing foreign currency regulations.
This attention comes at a time when UN, humanitarian, and rights organizations confirm that Syria is unsafe.