Ministry Of Tourism Enforces Removal Of Unlicensed Hospitality Listings From Booking Platforms

The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that all booking platforms and applications must immediately remove listings for tourist and private hospitality facilities lacking a valid ministry license. This measure aims to improve service quality for tourists in Saudi Arabia. Platforms that do not comply will face penalties, as part of a larger effort to enforce licensing and classification standards within the hospitality industry.

Facilities are required to meet the conditions outlined in the Tourism Law and its regulations. The ministry emphasizes that all tourist and private hospitality facilities must secure or renew their licenses before starting operations. Operating without a valid license can lead to fines up to SAR1 million, closure of the facility, or both. Violations might also be publicly disclosed.

The ministry observed that some facilities were listing units on booking platforms without obtaining necessary licenses. In response, it has instructed all travel and tourism service providers, both local and international, to immediately remove unlicensed or unauthorized facilities from their listings. This directive is crucial for maintaining compliance with official standards.

Additionally, platforms must ensure that the classification information displayed matches the official classifications provided by the Ministry of Tourism. This step is vital for maintaining transparency and accuracy in the information presented to potential tourists.

The ministry encourages users of hospitality services to report any inquiries or provide feedback about their experiences by contacting the Unified Tourism Center at 930. This initiative is part of a broader campaign aimed at enhancing adherence to licensing standards across the sector.

This mandate reflects the ministry's commitment to ensuring that all facilities operate within legal frameworks, thereby safeguarding both domestic and international tourists' experiences in Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA