Tourism Regulation & Activities — FAQ Centre

Yes. The Ministry of Tourism establishes classifications, standards, and requirements for tourism activities and facilities through implementing regulations and regulatory decisions. These regulations define activity categories, licensing requirements, classification and quality criteria, and the operational conditions that service providers must meet according to the type and category of activity.

The Tourism Law Regulations are implementing regulations issued by the Ministry of Tourism to explain how the provisions of the Law apply to different tourism activities. They generally cover license issuance and renewal requirements, activity categories, classification standards, licensee obligations, fees, financial guarantees, inspection procedures, and mechanisms for addressing violations.

The regulations provide a clearer and more flexible regulatory framework for tourism activities. They establish activity-specific requirements and clarify licensing and classification procedures. They also aim to improve service quality, protect tourists’ rights, facilitate business operations, encourage investment and innovation, and strengthen regulatory compliance and oversight across the tourism sector.

Yes. The regulations require tourism service providers to deliver services in accordance with approved standards and conditions and to disclose applicable prices, policies, and service commitments. Tourists may submit complaints and reports, and the Ministry is authorized to investigate violations, require corrective action, impose penalties, and take the measures necessary to protect beneficiaries’ rights in accordance with applicable laws.

The license application is submitted electronically through the Tourism Activities Licensing Portal or the relevant Ministry e-service. The applicant selects the activity and category, completes the required information and documentation, fulfills the applicable conditions and approvals, pays the required fees, and provides a financial guarantee where applicable. The Ministry issues the license electronically after verifying that all requirements have been met.

Yes. Fees apply to the issuance and renewal of certain tourism activity and service licenses. Additional fees may also apply to services such as amending license information, transferring license ownership, or issuing a sub-license. The applicable amount varies according to the activity, license category, license duration, and type of service, based on the approved fee schedules and decisions.

A bank guarantee is required as part of the licensing requirements for the Travel and Tourism Services activity, subject to the categories and cases specified in the applicable regulations and ministerial decisions. The guarantee must be issued by a licensed local bank, cover the prescribed period, and meet the amount determined for the relevant activity category.

Tourists may submit complaints, comments, and inquiries through the Ministry’s Unified Digital Customer Care Center, where complaint details and supporting documents can be provided electronically. Complaints and tourism-related inquiries may also be submitted by calling the Unified Tourism Call Center on 930.

Official circulars, regulatory requirements, and decisions can be accessed through the “Circulars and Regulations” section of the Ministry of Tourism website. This section includes mandatory circulars, regulatory notices, requirements, and updates applicable to investors, tourism service providers, and tourism establishments.

Official announcements and updates relating to tourism regulations and policies are published through the Ministry of Tourism portal, particularly under the Tourism Laws and Regulations, Circulars and Regulations, and Media Center sections. These sections should be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with the latest approved regulatory requirements and decisions.

The Ministry of Tourism issues licenses or permits for activities that fall under its supervision in accordance with the Tourism Law and the regulations governing each activity. The main categories include tourism accommodation facilities, private tourism accommodation facilities, travel and tourism services, tourism guiding, tourism consultation, and experimental tourism activities, in addition to any other activities designated by the Ministry through regulatory decisions or regulations. License types and requirements vary according to the nature and category of the activity.

A license application is submitted electronically through the Tourism Activities Licensing Portal. The applicant selects the activity and license type, signs in using the approved authentication method, completes the applicant and establishment information, and uploads the required documents and approvals. The Ministry then verifies compliance with the applicable requirements, may request missing information or an inspection depending on the activity, and requires payment of the applicable fees and financial guarantee where relevant. The license is issued electronically after approval.

Yes. There are general requirements as well as activity-specific requirements. Common requirements include a valid commercial registration containing the correct activity when applying as an establishment, identification, contact and authorization details, evidence of ownership or the legal right to use the premises, and any site or activity approvals required by the relevant authorities. Applicants must also meet the technical, operational, and professional standards stated in the applicable activity regulation and service guide. The guide for each activity remains the reference for the exact requirements.

Yes. The issuance, renewal, and amendment of certain tourism licenses or permits are subject to fees in accordance with the approved fee schedules and decisions. The amount varies according to the activity, license category, license term, and the requested service. The payable amount is displayed to the applicant during the electronic application process before payment is completed.

A license fee is not a single permanent payment. The applicable fee is paid when the license is issued, and a renewal fee is payable when the license term ends and the licensee wishes to continue operating, in accordance with the license period and the fee schedule for the activity. License duration and payment frequency may differ by activity, so applicants should refer to the relevant service details and regulations.

A financial guarantee is not required for every tourism activity. It applies only to activities or categories specified in the relevant regulations and regulatory decisions, including certain categories of travel and tourism services. Where required, the bank guarantee must meet the approved amount, duration, format, and issuing-bank conditions. The applicable guarantee requirements are shown in the selected activity conditions on the licensing portal and in the service guide.

This depends on the activity, license category, and the method used to provide the service. Some activities require premises or an office that meets the applicable operational and municipal conditions, while certain categories may allow services to be provided electronically when the website is properly documented and the prescribed controls are met. There is therefore no single rule for all activities, and applicants should review the relevant activity regulation and service guide before applying.

After the license has been issued, the applicant signs in to the Tourism Activities Licensing Portal, opens the issued licenses or applications section, and selects the relevant license. The electronic license can then be downloaded or printed from the license details page. It is advisable to retain an up-to-date electronic copy and confirm that the license status is valid before using or displaying it.

The investor submits a tourism accommodation facility license application through the licensing portal, selects the facility type and category, enters the establishment and location details, and uploads the required documents and approvals. The Ministry verifies the regulatory, technical, and operational requirements, and the process may include an inspection or assessment depending on the facility type. Once the requirements are met and the fees are paid, the license is issued and the classification is completed in accordance with the approved classification criteria and the level achieved by the facility.

The applicant signs in to the Tourism Activities Licensing Portal using the account linked to the establishment, opens the facilities or issued licenses section, and selects the relevant facility. The available license document and classification certificate can be downloaded and printed from the facility details page. If either document is not visible, the applicant should confirm that its issuance has been completed and that the correct account or commercial registration is being used.

No. A tourism activity may not be commenced or offered to the public before the required Ministry of Tourism license or permit and any other relevant approvals have been obtained. The activity may also not be practiced after the license expires or is cancelled, or while it is suspended. Operating without a valid license may result in regulatory action and the applicable penalties.

These messages usually appear when a regulatory status prevents the application from proceeding, such as a suspended existing license, a mismatch between the activity recorded in the commercial registration and the requested activity, or outdated registration data in connected government systems. The applicant should confirm that the commercial registration is valid and contains the correct economic activity, resolve the cause of any license suspension, and refresh or resynchronize the data. If the message continues, a support request should be submitted with a screenshot of the error and the application details.

This may occur when the user signs in with an identity or account that is not linked to the establishment, does not have a valid authorization, selects a different commercial registration, or when older license records have not yet been linked to the account. The user should confirm that the correct account is being used, the authorization is valid, and the commercial registration associated with the license is selected. If the information is correct and the license is still missing, a support request should be submitted with the license number, commercial registration, and authorized-user details.

Available contact details can be updated through the profile or account settings on the platform, depending on the data type and the user's authority. Certain details may be obtained from National Access, the commercial registration, or the authorized representative's records. In such cases, the information must first be updated with the source government authority and then refreshed or resynchronized on the portal. If electronic editing is unavailable, a request should be submitted through the approved support channel.

Record the error code and take a clear screenshot showing the message, the time it appeared, and the application number where available. Refresh the page, sign in again, use an updated browser, clear temporary browser data, and retry without submitting duplicate applications. If the problem continues, contact the Ministry's Digital Customer Care Center or technical support and provide the screenshot together with the account and application details so the issue can be traced.

A license is obtained electronically through the Tourism Activities Licensing Portal. The investor selects the tourism accommodation facility licensing service, completes the establishment and facility information, and submits the applicable requirements, including the relevant commercial registration, site-related licenses and approvals, connection to Shomoos, and direct integration with the National Tourism Monitoring Platform. Following verification, the site inspection, and fee payment, the Ministry issues the license electronically.

A facility is considered to be operating without a license if it receives guests or offers and sells accommodation services before the license is issued, after the license expires or is cancelled, or while the license is suspended. Units should also not be presented as available on booking platforms unless the license is valid and corresponds to the actual facility and activity.

The process begins with submitting the application through the licensing portal and completing the required documentation. After the application is accepted, the Ministry schedules a site visit to verify facility readiness and compliance with the minimum licensing requirements. Any observations are communicated to the applicant for correction within the prescribed period, followed by a reinspection request where necessary. Once the requirements are satisfied, the fee is invoiced and the license is issued after payment.

The commercial registration must be valid and include the operation of a tourism accommodation facility with the correct activity code. In certain cases, an application may be initiated before the municipal license and Civil Defense permit are completed so that it can be electronically referred to the competent authorities. However, the tourism license will not be finalized until the required approvals are valid and meet the Ministry’s remaining-validity requirement.

The facility should remain inspection-ready and ensure that safety, operational, equipment, service, documentation, system, and technical-integration requirements are complete. A responsible representative should be available to accompany the inspector and respond to inquiries. If the Ministry issues observations, they must be corrected within the prescribed period, after which the applicant should notify the Ministry through the portal and request a follow-up visit before the deadline expires.

The investor should review the published classification criteria for the relevant facility type and perform a self-assessment covering the building, units, services, equipment, and mandatory requirements. For licensing purposes, the facility must meet the minimum category or grade on which the license is based, such as one-star, economy-grade, or the licensing requirements for an unclassified facility, depending on the facility type.

The inspector verifies that the application information matches the actual site and that the facility meets licensing, safety, and minimum classification requirements. Guest units, public areas, services, documents, systems, and technical integrations may be reviewed, and evidence and observations are recorded in the visit report. The visit is therefore a substantive assessment of the facility’s ability to operate in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The visit concludes with a report setting out the verification result and any observations. If the facility complies, the application proceeds to fee payment and license issuance. Correctable observations are communicated with a deadline for remediation and a follow-up visit. If the observations remain unresolved after the permitted visits and deadlines, the application is cancelled and a new application is required.

After the inspection result is approved, the Ministry notifies the applicant through the licensing portal of the applicable fee. The invoice must be paid within the stated deadline or the application will be cancelled. Once payment is received, the electronic license is issued and may be printed through the portal. It must be displayed prominently at the facility and used in accordance with the licensed trade name and details.

Yes. The investor selects one of the licensing periods available for the relevant facility type when submitting the application. Fees are calculated according to the facility type, number of rooms or units, and selected period. Permanent facility categories generally offer terms from one to three years, while shorter periods are available for certain temporary facilities and camps.

Hotels, resorts, heritage hotels, hotel villas, hotel apartments, serviced apartments, chalets, and motels generally have one-, two-, or three-year options. Temporary accommodation facilities may be licensed for three or six months, while camps may have options ranging from three months to three years. The applicable options are those displayed in the licensing portal and the current service guide.

Renewal takes place during the 60 days preceding the expiry of the license and classification certificate. The system sends an expiry notice together with the applicable renewal fee, which must be paid within that window. Once payment is completed, the renewed license and classification certificate are issued, with the new term running from the previous expiry date.

The renewal fee should be paid after the renewal notice is received through the licensing portal and within the prescribed 60-day renewal period. Failure to pay before the deadline results in cancellation of the renewal request, and continued operation after expiry may constitute a regulatory violation.

A licensee should not rely on an extension beyond the statutory renewal window. Renewal and payment must be completed during the 60 days before expiry. A documented technical issue should be reported immediately through the official support channels before expiry, with the support reference retained; however, a support request does not automatically extend the license validity.

No. Accommodation services and booking availability must cease once the license expires until the regulatory status is corrected. Operating after expiry may result in enforcement action and penalties. A previously initiated request or an unpaid invoice does not keep the license valid.

The renewal service is intended for the period before expiry. If the license expires without completion of renewal, the standard renewal route may no longer be available, and the licensee must follow the procedure indicated by the portal or the Ministry, which may require a new license application. The facility may not operate until a valid document is issued.

The licensee should verify the accuracy of the establishment, facility, and contact details; the validity of the commercial registration and related approvals; continued compliance with the classification and service requirements; and disclosure of any relevant changes. Technical integrations should remain operational and the renewal fee must be paid within the required period.

Electronic renewal does not exempt the facility from regulatory oversight. The renewed documents may be issued after payment without a renewal-specific visit, but the Ministry may conduct periodic or unannounced inspections to verify continuing compliance with licensing, classification, and service-quality requirements. The facility must remain inspection-ready throughout its operation.

Yes. Temporary or permanent, full or partial closure requires the appropriate request through the licensing portal before implementation, depending on the case. The reason and period of closure must be stated, existing obligations resolved, guests informed through the website and booking platforms where applicable, and the facility status updated when it reopens.

The licensee submits a cancellation request through the licensing portal, completes the required information, and undertakes to cease the activity and remove all advertising from websites and booking platforms. The Ministry verifies that there are no outstanding claims, fines, disputes, or other obligations, then approves the cancellation electronically and updates the facility record. The activity may not be practiced or advertised after cancellation.

Closing or ceasing operation without following the approved process and updating the facility status breaches the licensee’s obligations and may result in violations and enforcement action, especially where bookings or guest rights remain outstanding. The appropriate closure or cancellation service must be used and all obligations settled before the new status is recognized.

The first two visits within the standard licensing or classification process are included in the normal service journey. A fee applies to each additional visit required after the first two; the published service guide lists SAR 500 per additional visit. The amount displayed in the portal at the time of the request should be treated as the applicable amount.

Yes. The licensee must complete the facility classification within 180 days of the license grant, based on the requested category or grade. All associated services and requirements must be available, the application submitted, and the facility prepared for inspection within that period. If the deadline passes, the Ministry may apply the classification actually achieved or the lower classification on which the license was based, according to the assessment and applicable procedure.

The investor should take the required action in the portal within the stated period, either accepting the result and completing payment or following the available objection or amendment route. Failure to respond or pay may result in cancellation of the request or application of the lower status supported by the inspection result and regulatory deadline, as specified in the portal and official notice.

Connection is established through direct integration between the facility’s guest-registration software and the National Tourism Monitoring Platform. The licensee should coordinate with the relevant approved technology provider, complete the facility setup and testing requirements, and ensure that operational data is transmitted continuously and accurately. The integration is a licensing and operating requirement.

The facility must enable the inspector to perform the assignment, verify the official identification card, provide a responsible representative, and grant access to relevant areas, documents, records, systems, and information. Accurate data must be provided and the inspection must not be obstructed. The facility should document the observations and initiate a corrective-action plan after the visit.

An inspection may form part of a license, classification, or amendment request, a periodic oversight program, a complaint or report, or verification that a violation has been corrected. The Ministry determines the timing according to the inspection purpose and oversight plan. Inspections are not limited to a single type of visit or occasion.

Not in every case. Visits associated with licensing or classification applications may be scheduled through the portal, while regulatory or complaint-related inspections may be conducted without prior notice depending on the purpose of the assignment. The facility must therefore maintain continuous compliance and readiness rather than preparing only for announced visits.

The licensee must assign clear responsibility and authority to ensure timely responses to the Ministry. A separate department is not necessarily required, but a responsible representative or team must be capable of monitoring the portal and notifications, handling regulatory and technical requests, and providing information within the period specified by the Ministry.

Contact information should be updated immediately whenever the telephone number, email address, responsible manager, establishment representative, or contact address changes. The facility should not wait until renewal because regulatory notices and deadlines are sent to the registered details, and the licensee is responsible for keeping them accurate and current.

No. The trade name and Ministry-issued classification must be displayed accurately on the facility website, booking platforms, and advertisements. Images and published information must also reflect the actual facility. Using a different name or a higher or otherwise inaccurate classification is misleading and breaches licensing and classification requirements.

No. Official documents, invoices, booking documents, correspondence, and signage must match the license and classification certificate. If the name, details, or classification changes, the relevant amendment or classification service must be completed and approved before the new information is used officially.

Yes. The valid license and classification certificate must be displayed prominently in a public area such as the reception or facility entrance, and accurate information must be shown on the website and electronic channels. An expired or outdated document, or a document belonging to another operator or facility, may not be used.

A unified identification or QR code may be used in the manner approved by the Ministry to facilitate digital verification, but it does not remove the obligation to make valid license and classification information available and display it as instructed. The code must lead to accurate, current facility information and must not be used to conceal an expired document or mismatched data.

The facility should implement documented cleaning, preventive-maintenance, and corrective-maintenance plans with schedules, assigned responsibilities, and completion records. Guest units, public areas, lifts, amenities, and equipment must be inspected and defects corrected promptly, and unsafe or unclean areas must not be operated. The conditions on which the license and classification were granted must be maintained throughout the validity period.

The facility should establish role-appropriate standards for uniform, personal hygiene, and professional appearance, provide suitable training, uniforms, and staff facilities, and conduct daily supervision with documented corrective action. Employee appearance must comply with health requirements and the facility’s professional standards and must not adversely affect service safety or quality.

Maintenance should be scheduled for the least disruptive periods, and guests should be informed in advance of the nature, start time, and expected completion of the work. Noise, dust, and safety risks must be controlled. Where the agreed accommodation experience cannot be provided, the facility should offer an appropriate solution, such as relocating the guest or applying the disclosed compensation or cancellation policy without prejudicing guest rights.

The required approvals must be obtained from the competent authorities according to the event type, size, and location. The activity must be consistent with the municipal license, fire and life-safety requirements, and facility capacity. Security, safety, crowd, parking, and emergency plans should be in place, and the event must not prejudice guest rights or the services on which the facility’s classification is based.

Yes. Any independent commercial or service activity within the facility, such as a restaurant, shop, or wellness center, must hold the approvals and licenses required by the competent authorities for that activity. Being located inside a Ministry-licensed accommodation facility does not exempt it from its own licensing requirements, and the facility operator should verify the regulatory status of service providers.

The licensee remains accountable to guests and the Ministry for the quality of the experience and services provided within the facility, even where a third party is engaged, without prejudice to the contractor’s contractual or legal liability. Qualified providers should therefore be selected, contracts should include clear service levels and obligations, and performance, complaints, and risks should be actively monitored and corrected.

The facility should provide clear and effective channels before booking, during the stay, and after departure, and respond in Arabic or English according to the tourist’s preference. Prices, taxes, policies, services, and booking, amendment, and cancellation terms must be disclosed; a booking document must be issued; complaints should be logged and answered within defined periods; and Ministry contact details and the Tourism Call Center 930 should be displayed.

Yes. A channel should be available for contacting the responsible manager or an authorized representative, particularly for operational issues and complaints that are not resolved at reception. The contact route may be provided in the guest services guide or at reception, while protecting personal data and avoiding publication of a private number not designated for business use.

The facility should adopt clear service standards covering greeting, respect, timely response, non-discrimination, and professional handling of requests and complaints. Employees should be trained and supervised, escalation routes to supervisors or management should be available, the tourist’s preferred language should be used, and cases requiring follow-up or corrective action should be documented.

A facility may not refuse service without a lawful or otherwise acceptable disclosed reason, such as lack of availability, failure to meet identification requirements, or a breach of safety rules or applicable laws. Policies must be applied fairly and without discrimination, the reason should be explained, and undisclosed or unlawful grounds should not be used.

Identity, passport or residency information, contact details, booking and stay records, payment data, images, and any information that can identify a tourist must not be shared except with consent or another lawful basis and only to the extent necessary. Identification should be verified and recorded in approved systems without photographing or retaining copies unless expressly permitted by law.

The facility must maintain the direct technical integration and continuously operate its guest-registration system, monitor successful and accurate data transmission, and promptly resolve interruptions or errors with the system provider. Accounts and access rights should be protected, facility information kept current, incident and corrective-action records maintained, and the competent support channel notified when a material outage cannot be resolved immediately.

Tourism consulting involves providing opinions, advice, studies, recommendations, and similar professional services relating to tourism activities, based on appropriate scientific and practical expertise. This may include analyzing tourism projects and activities, assessing challenges and opportunities, and providing professional solutions and recommendations that support sound decision-making and the development of tourism businesses in accordance with applicable laws and requirements.

The tourism consulting activity applies to natural persons and legal entities wishing to provide tourism consultancy services after obtaining a license from the Ministry of Tourism. Licensing is divided into individual licenses and office licenses. An individual applicant must be a Saudi national, be legally permitted to practice the activity, and meet the academic qualification and practical experience required for the relevant category. An office applicant must hold a valid commercial registration that includes tourism consulting, meet the premises requirements or document its website when operating electronically only, and provide the required evidence of experience, official information, and supporting documents.

The tourism consulting activity may begin after the Ministry of Tourism issues the license, the regulatory requirements have been fulfilled, and the applicable fee has been paid. Tourism consultancy services may not be provided before the license is obtained, after it expires or is cancelled, or while it is suspended. Services must also remain within the type, category, and scope of the license, and all licensing conditions must continue to be met throughout its validity.

A licensee is considered in violation when practicing without a valid license, providing services outside the licensed scope, allowing another person to use the license, or failing to maintain the licensing conditions throughout its validity. Violations also include failure to comply with Ministry decisions and instructions, obstructing or failing to cooperate with an inspector, using the Ministry’s name or logo without approval, failing to display license information at the premises or on websites and official documents, using an expired license, failing to update information or retain contracts and records, or breaching any other obligation established by the Tourism Law and the Tourism Consultation Regulations.

It is an activity that provides supporting services to operators of tourism accommodation facilities and private tourism accommodation facilities, based on specialized technical expertise in managing facilities, services, and skills appropriate to the facility type, category, or classification grade. It may include administrative and technical support, operating and quality systems, human resources, maintenance, marketing, and guest-experience oversight, within the scope of the license and the management contracts concluded with the relevant facilities.

The license is divided into four classes. Class A permits the management of all types of tourism accommodation facilities and private tourism accommodation facilities. Class B covers facilities rated four stars and below, all grade-based and other unclassified types, and private facilities. Class C covers facilities rated three stars and below, first grade and below, other unclassified types, and private facilities. Class D covers facilities classified as first grade and below, other unclassified types, and private tourism accommodation facilities.

Class A requires four years of experience operating or managing a five-star tourism accommodation facility. Class B requires four years of experience operating or managing a four-star facility. Class C requires three years of experience operating or managing a three-star facility. Class D requires two years of experience operating or managing grade-classified facilities or other unclassified facility types. The experience must be documented, and experience obtained outside the Kingdom must be authenticated by the competent authority.

The principal requirements include a valid commercial registration covering tourism accommodation facilities management, a valid premises license from the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing or the competent authority for the location, evidence of the experience required for the requested class, documents describing the facility-management mechanisms required by the Ministry, official applicant, representative, and office information, and evidence of the right to use any applicable trademark. The application form and the office and operating-equipment requirements associated with the requested class must also be completed.

The application is submitted electronically through the Tourism Activities Licensing Portal by selecting the tourism accommodation facilities management license service, completing the required information, and uploading the supporting documents. The Ministry verifies compliance and the validity of the related authorities’ licenses, after which the applicant is notified of the applicable fee. Once payment is completed within the specified period, the electronic license is issued and added to the licensee’s official account, where it can be downloaded and printed.

The license may be valid for a period not exceeding three years and is renewable. A renewal application must be submitted during the 60 days preceding the license expiry date, while continuing to meet the relevant class requirements, maintaining the validity of related authorities’ licenses, and paying the approved fee. Once the requirements are completed, the renewed license takes effect from the expiry date of the previous license for a term not exceeding three years.

Yes. A separate license is required for each branch office, and the branch must carry the same class as the main office. The licensee may request a class change through the portal after meeting the requirements of the new class and obtaining the Ministry’s approval; a license may not contain more than one class. Certain changes, including relocating the office, changing the trade name or trademark, or temporarily or permanently closing the office, also require prior Ministry approval and completion of the prescribed procedures.

No. Tourism accommodation facilities management may not be practiced before the license is obtained, after it expires or is cancelled, or while it is suspended. Services must remain within the class and scope stated in the license, and no other person or entity may be allowed to use it. Operating without a valid license or outside its scope may result in regulatory action and the applicable penalties.

The licensee must maintain all licensing conditions throughout the license term, provide services within the licensed class, and display the license information at the office, on websites, and on official documents. The licensee must also provide effective administrative and technical support to ensure facility operating quality, deal only with licensed or authorized parties, keep information updated, retain contracts and correspondence for at least one year, respond to the Ministry and inspectors, address complaints, and maintain unified management, a clear organizational structure, and qualified and trained personnel.

A licensee is considered in violation when operating without a valid license or outside the licensed class, allowing another party to use the license, failing to comply with Ministry decisions and instructions, obstructing or failing to cooperate with an inspector, or using the Ministry’s name or logo without approval. Violations also include failing to display license information, dealing with unlicensed parties, failing to update data or retain records, failing to respond to complaints, not meeting manager and employee requirements, or breaching any other obligation under the Tourism Law and the Tourism Accommodation Facilities Management Regulations.

A Tourism Inspector is designated by a decision issued by the Minister of Tourism following nomination by the Ministry and verification that the approved criteria have been met. The principal criteria include Saudi nationality, an academic qualification of at least a diploma, unless the candidate has completed an intensive Ministry-approved training program, and successful completion of the approved programs or courses for Tourism Inspectors. The appointment decision also specifies the inspector’s scope of responsibility according to the purposes of inspection, and the inspector must take the prescribed oath before commencing duties.

The Ministry issues each Tourism Inspector an official identification card for use while performing inspection duties. The card displays the Ministry of Tourism logo, the inspector’s photograph, the Tourism Inspector’s name, the title “Tourism Inspector,” and the employee number. The inspector identifies himself or herself and presents the card to the tourism activity operator or the operator’s employees, as appropriate to the purpose of the inspection.

Inspection may be conducted through a field visit to the tourism facility or through a remote desk-based visit using Ministry-approved technology, depending on the purpose of the assignment. The inspector verifies the existence and validity of the license or permit and classification, and checks continued compliance with the applicable requirements, controls, and standards. Within the inspector’s authority, this may include reviewing relevant documents, records, contracts, and policies, using technical tools, and asking questions of management, employees, or tourists. The Tourism Inspector prepares a visit report containing the establishment’s details, the purpose and outcome of the inspection, and any related documents or evidence. At the end of the inspection, the operator or representative, when present, is informed of the observations or violations and of the process for approving and officially notifying the visit report.

The Ministry-approved means for carrying out an inspection include Ministry-assigned transportation, the approved inspection uniform, electronic equipment such as tablets, mobile devices, and measuring devices, the paper or electronic visit report, and the Ministry’s approved electronic systems. If an approved means cannot be used for a reason beyond the Tourism Inspector’s control, the inspector may use another means that achieves the purpose of the assignment, provided that the reasons are reported to the General Directorate of Control and Inspection.