The Ministry of Tourism today announced revised versions of four regulations covering core tourism activities: travel and tourism services, tour guiding, hospitality facilities and private hospitality units. The aim is to modernize the sector's regulatory framework, make operations more efficient and raise the quality of the visitor experience across the Kingdom.

According to the ministry, the changes bring regulatory standards in line with new business models and international best practice. They draw on direct input from investors, operators and beneficiaries while protecting tourists' rights.

For travel and tourism services, licensing categories have been simplified, operators gain more flexibility and a choice of license durations, and the rights and obligations attached to services are defined more clearly. The tour guiding regulation reduces classification categories, lets guides work across several regions and specializations, sets rules for licensing and qualification exams, and allows guides to take bookings and sign contracts directly with tourists.

The hospitality facilities regulation develops standards for licensing, classification, digital integration, and online booking and payment. It adds specialized accommodation categories and links a facility's classification directly to its operational quality and safety compliance. The private hospitality unit regulation moves from a permit-based model to a formal licensing system, setting out safety criteria, which properties qualify and consumer rights.

Ministry spokesperson Nasr Alansari said the new frameworks set clear quality benchmarks and are supported by specialized training programs to build staff skills and help operators fully comply.

The revised regulations and compliance guidelines are available on the ministry's official portal, and operators, investors and service providers are urged to adjust their procedures. Support and regulatory questions are handled by the Unified Tourism Center on 930.