RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract more foreign tourists could be undermined by its ban on Bibles, crucifixes and other religious items.
Items from religions other than Islam are banned in the country, and may be confiscated on sight, the Jerusalem Post reported Thursday.
That policy could deter the would-be international visitors the country’s tourism officials have said they are trying to lure.
The Supreme Commission for Tourism recently set a goal of 1.5 million visitors annually by 2020, and enacted changes to encourage tourism like longer-term and group visas.
But a consular official defended the policy, saying all countries have the right to decide what items will be allowed to cross the border, the newspaper said.
Saudi Arabia also prohibits the transport of pornography, narcotics and guns into the country.
