A new timeshare law could significantly increase the number of overnight visitors to Bahrain, according to a top minister.
Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi told Shura Council members, during their weekly session yesterday, that overnight stay had increased by 45 per cent compared with 2019 – and it could rise to 60pc if a draft law is approved.
She pointed out that the Tourism Ministry and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) are co-ordinating with other GCC countries on the time-sharing concept.
“Bahrain is also being promoted as a tourist destination connected to the GCC countries as we closely work in direct co-operation with tourism authorities in the GCC countries to exploit the potential of joint marketing,” said Ms Al Sairafi.
The draft law regulates timeshare in hotels and tourist facilities, with violations being penalised with fines of up to BD50,000 or jail time of up to three years, or both.
The 36-article government-drafted legislation was already approved by MPs in May this year following amendments to articles, almost all of which Shura’s services committee has backed.
A timeshare is a form of property ownership where multiple individuals share the right to use a vacation property for a set period each year. Owners typically purchase a specific week or set of weeks during which they can use the property.
The model is used for many different properties, with units offered in vacation resorts, condominiums, apartments and camp grounds.
“This law will prove a qualitative leap in the tourism sector,” said Ms Al Sairafi.
“The strategic plan for 2022-2026 is to get 14.1 million visitors,” she added.
Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Survey and Land Registration Bureau and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority have all backed the legislation.
Under the legislation, the Tourism Minister could automatically issue an administrative penalty of up to BD50,000 as fines and closure of up to three months, or termination of the licence permanently in case of violations.
Those affected have the right to file a grievance.
However, for cases referred to the Public Prosecution, the punishment is between BD1,000 and BD50,000, jail time between 24 hours and three years, or both.
The cases referred to the Public Prosecution will involve selling, promoting and advertising unlicensed products, providing false information, cheating the system and preventing tourist inspectors from doing their job.
The Tourism Minister will issue a fees chart from whenever the law is published in the Official Gazette.
The Shura Council has in principle backed the law, but pushed back debate on articles due to claims of unclear technicalities. Shura’s first vice-chairman Jamal Fakhro said the judiciary would face problems when trying to simplify terminologies in law.
“We need simplification and not complications when it comes to understanding mechanisms, procedures and punishments.”
Parliament passed it as it was from the government, saying it was not knowledgeable about technicalities and pointing out that the Tourism Ministry and BTEA would handle the legislation better in the way they have presented it.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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