The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has issued a new directive requiring all booking platforms and applications to remove listings for tourist and private hospitality facilities operating without a valid ministry license. Effective January 1, 2025, facilities found in violation of this mandate could face fines of up to SR1 million, closure, or both. The names of violators will also be publicized in local media at their own expense. This initiative is part of a broader effort aimed at improving adherence to licensing and classification standards within the hospitality sector, ensuring that all facilities meet the conditions and requirements set forth in the Tourism Law and its associated regulations.
The ministry’s directive is intended to enhance the quality of services provided to both domestic and international tourists in Saudi Arabia. By requiring all hospitality facilities, including private establishments, to have a valid license for operation, the ministry aims to uphold the standards set by the Tourism Law. This follows the observation of facilities listing units on booking platforms without the necessary licenses, prompting the ministry to direct all travel and tourism service providers to remove unlicensed facilities from their listings immediately. Platforms are also required to ensure that the classification information displayed aligns with official classifications provided by the Ministry of Tourism.
Some hospitality facilities have been found to be marketing their units on booking platforms without the required licenses or permits, in violation of the ministry’s regulations and quality standards. As a result, the ministry has instructed all service providers and booking platforms to promptly remove unlicensed facilities from their listings. To further promote compliance with licensing and classification requirements, the ministry has launched the “Our Guests Are Priority” campaign. This initiative emphasizes the importance of adhering to standards and encourages customers to report any concerns regarding hospitality services through the Unified Tourism Center number 930.
With the new directive in place, the ministry is taking a proactive approach to ensure that tourist and private hospitality facilities in Saudi Arabia are operating in accordance with the law. By mandating the removal of unlicensed facilities from booking platforms, the ministry aims to protect the interests of both customers and licensed establishments. Violators can face significant penalties, including fines and closure, underscoring the importance of obtaining a valid license for operation. By promoting compliance with licensing and classification standards, the ministry is working to enhance the overall quality of hospitality services in the Kingdom, benefiting both domestic and international tourists.
In conclusion, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s initiative to remove unlicensed tourist and private hospitality facilities from booking platforms is a significant step towards improving standards within the hospitality sector. By enforcing compliance with licensing and classification requirements, the ministry is taking a proactive approach to ensure that all facilities meet the necessary standards set forth in the Tourism Law. Through the “Our Guests Are Priority” campaign and the publicizing of violators, the ministry is working to protect the interests of customers and promote a positive tourism experience in Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of hospitality services and promote adherence to regulations within the industry.
