Jasiira Tightens Tourism Rules, Orders Companies to Register Visitors

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Authorities in Somalia’s Jasiira district have ordered tourism companies taking visitors to the coastal area to register with the administration and keep records of the people they take to tourist sites, as officials move to tighten oversight of the growing sector.

The district administration said the measures were intended to improve security and ensure that tourism activities comply with Islamic principles and Somali cultural norms.

Tourism companies will be required to register with the administration and provide information on visitors travelling to Jasiira through their services, the district governor said.

Authorities said the system would help identify the companies responsible for organised trips and provide information that could be used if security incidents or other violations occur.

The administration said the number of domestic and international visitors to Jasiira had increased, making closer oversight of tourism operators necessary.

It also warned companies against allowing activities it considers contrary to Islamic law and local regulations, including what it described as immoral conduct and the use or trafficking of narcotics.

The governor said tourism operators would be expected to comply with the new requirements and would be held accountable for violations of local rules.

Authorities said action would be taken against companies or individuals found breaching the regulations, with the administration saying the measures were aimed at maintaining security and protecting local cultural norms at Jasiira’s tourist sites.

The new requirements add to efforts by local authorities to regulate tourism in the coastal area as visitor numbers increase.