Thursday, January 2, 2025 The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has mandated all booking platforms and applications to remove listings for unlicensed tourist and private hospitality facilities. Effective January 1, 2025, this initiative aims to ensure high-quality hospitality services across the Kingdom and align operations with the Tourism Law. The move is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to professionalize the hospitality sector and provide a consistent experience for domestic and international visitors.
The directive responds to observations of hospitality establishments advertising on booking platforms without obtaining the necessary licenses. This undermined service standards and violated the ministry’s regulations, prompting strict measures to restore compliance. The ministry has warned that violators face significant consequences, including fines of up to SR1 million, closure of unlicensed facilities, or both.
Additionally, names of violators will be publicized in local media at their own expense. These penalties aim to deter unlicensed operations and create a transparent, trustworthy environment for the hospitality sector. The directive is part of a larger campaign to improve adherence to licensing and classification regulations.
All hospitality facilities, including private accommodations, are now required to hold valid licenses for their operations. The ministry has emphasized that all travel and tourism service providers, including international booking platform.
