Deputy Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Salman attends the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

To boost the tourism industry in the country, the Cabinet approved Monday three laws to regulate the activities of the Saudi Society for Tourist Accommodation Facilities, Saudi Society for Tourist Guides and Saudi Society for Travel and Tourism.

“The Cabinet decision is aimed at establishing three non-profit professional associations, enjoying legal personality and independent financial status, to develop tourist accommodation facilities, promote tour guides and boost travel and tourism,” said Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja.

The associations are mandated to take care of the interests of their members, provide them with social and cultural services, attract private investments, and hold certified training and education courses, he said.

The three associations would each have a general assembly, a board of directors, and an executive director supervising the executive body in terms of technical, financial and administrative functions.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Deputy Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Salman, reiterated the call by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to transform the GCC into a union that would be able to confront various challenges.

The meeting underscored the GCC’s achievements, especially in strengthening the region’s security and stability.