In recent years, the demand for travel has surged as it has become more accessible and affordable. The tourism industry, in particular, substantially contributes to countries’ GDP, employment rates, and the living standards of residents. Therefore, governments should prioritize the enforcement of related policies. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, advancements in the entertainment sector have led to a rapid increase in the number of tourists. However, this influx may pose safety challenges for the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Some policymakers argue that establishing an emergency phone number for tourists could lead to increased costs, as it would require hiring personnel to manage this service. However, many tourists believe that their safety should be prioritized so they can enjoy their travel experience without unnecessary concerns. Primarily, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism should create an emergency phone number for tourists to combat criminal activities and to ensure the continued economic benefits of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia.
One major reason why the Saudi Ministry of Tourism should provide a phone number for tourists in emergency situations is to address the threat of crime and violence. Many tourists tend to carry significant amounts of cash or valuable items while on vacation, making them targets for theft. These travelers face not only financial losses but also the risk of physical harm if they attempt to resist theft. As criminals expect to face resistance, they often resort to weapons to intimidate to make their threat appear more dangerous to tourists. According to Ashraf & Garcia (2024), nearly 95% of the assaults analyzed involved the use of weapons, with firearms present in more than half of those incidents. This highlights the urgent need for toursits to have rapid and accessible assistance, preventing violent crimes and life-threatening situations for tourists.
A further main reason why the Saudi Ministry of Tourism should create a phone number for tourists’ emergency cases is to maintain the financial benefits gained from tourism sector. As tourism sector plays a significant role in boosting the Saudi economy, policymakers in tourism sector should implement specialized care policies. The massive influx of tourists necessitates sufficient and effective management alongside increased safety measures. Nevertheless, if these measures are not in place, tourists may be discouraged from visiting again, leading to a decline that would negatively impact country’s economy. For example, among the few victims who report the crime to the authorities, nearly half stated that a local police officer made them feel incompetent or embarrassed, while only one-third felt ‘fully heard and understood (Ashraf & Garcia, 2024). This indicates the importance of establishing an emergency phone number to avoide long-term consequences for the country’s economy, as poor law enforcement responses can erode tourists’ trust and discourage future visits.
In conclusion, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism should establish an emergency phone number for tourists to enhance safety and support the continued growth of the tourism industry. One important implication of having such a system is the potential delays in response times due to non-emergency reports. Moreover, if the emergency hotline lacks language accessibility, non-native speakers may struggle to communicate effectively, limiting the service’s accessibility and effectiveness. Given these implications, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism should allocate and properly train personnel while ensuring that tourists clearly understand how to use this service through clarification and accessible guidanc. Ultimately, if these measures are implemented, Saudi Arabia would reinforce its long-term economic prosperity by maintaining a secure and thriving tourism industry.