Saudi Arabia, in line with enhancing the tourism industry and improving the visitor experience, has updated four new laws regarding tourism services, tour guides, and hospitality facilities. These changes are designed to align with the rapid growth of tourism activities and new business models, responding to feedback from investors and operators.
Simplifying the Licensing Process
The new tourism and travel services law has simplified the licensing categories and expanded the range of permitted services. These laws also provide greater flexibility in operations and offer various options for the duration of licenses. In this regard, the rights and obligations of service providers and customers have been clearly defined, and the standards governing these activities have been elevated.
The New Role of Tour Guides
Under the new tour guide law, licensing categories have been simplified, allowing guides to operate in various regions and specialties. This law also specifies the requirements for issuing and renewing licenses, including training courses or exams depending on the type of license. Tour guides will be allowed to contract directly with tourists and issue reservation documents, necessitating clarity on pricing and cancellation and refund policies.
Changes in the hospitality facilities law, including licensing, classification, and operational procedures, have also strengthened security and safety requirements and paid special attention to electronic integration and workforce competency. Additionally, specialized categories for hospitality facilities have been introduced, and classification is now more closely linked to licensing, operational quality, and service standards.
For private hospitality units, the Ministry of Tourism has shifted the regulatory framework from licenses to certifications and updated new requirements for applications and criteria for qualifying properties. This law has also strengthened operational, security, and safety requirements and specified duties for service provision and tourists' rights.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism, Nasr Al-Ansari, stated that these changes are designed to ensure the implementation of new standards and improve tourism services and visitor experiences. He added that the ministry will continue to support the industry through awareness initiatives, meetings, and training assistance to develop the skills of the tourism workforce. The updated laws and compliance requirements are available through the ministry's official website, inviting investors, operators, tour guides, and service providers to assess their current operations and fulfill the relevant requirements.
