Ministry of Tourism has updated four regulations governing travel and tourism services, tourist guides, hospitality facilities and private hospitality units as part of efforts to improve service quality and the visitor experience.
The ministry said the changes are designed to keep pace with the rapid growth of tourism activities and evolving business models, while responding to feedback from investors, operators and beneficiaries.
The updated Travel and Tourism Services Regulation simplifies licensing categories, expands the range of permitted services and provides greater operational flexibility, including multiple options for license duration. It also clarifies the rights and obligations of service providers and customers while raising standards governing the activity.
Under the updated Tourist Guide Regulation, licensing categories have been simplified, while guides will be able to operate across multiple regions and specializations.
The regulation also sets requirements for issuing and renewing licenses, including approved training courses or examinations depending on the license category.
Tourist guides will be permitted to contract directly with tourists and issue booking documents, with requirements to clearly disclose prices and payment, cancellation and refund policies.
Changes to the Hospitality Facility Regulation cover licensing, classification and operating procedures, as well as reservations, payments and online marketing.
The updated rules also strengthen security and safety requirements, workforce qualification and electronic integration, while introducing specialized categories for hospitality facilities and linking classification more closely to licensing, operational quality and service standards.
For private hospitality units, the ministry has shifted the regulatory framework from permits to licenses and updated application requirements and eligible property criteria.
The regulation also strengthens operational, security and safety requirements and establishes obligations for service provision and tourist rights, while requiring units to remain compliant with regulations governing their use for tourism accommodation.
Ministry of Tourism spokesperson Nasr Al-Ansari said the changes are intended to ensure implementation of the new standards, improve tourism services and visitor experiences, and help investors and operators comply with regulatory requirements.
He said the ministry would continue supporting the industry through awareness initiatives, meetings and assistance, alongside training and qualification programs aimed at developing the skills of tourism workers.
The updated regulations and compliance requirements have been made available through the ministry’s official website. Investors, operators, tourist guides and service providers were urged to review the regulations, assess their current operations and complete the relevant requirements.
The ministry said inquiries and support are available through the Unified Tourism Center at 930.
Credit: zawya
