Ministry of Tourism Mandates Removal of Unlicensed Hospitality Listings from Booking Platforms

 Starting today, the Ministry of Tourism requires all booking platforms and applications to remove listings for tourist and private hospitality facilities operating without a valid ministry license. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality of services provided to both domestic and international tourists throughout the Kingdom. Platforms failing to comply will face penalties.

 This directive is part of a broader campaign aimed at improving adherence to licensing and classification standards within the hospitality sector. The ministry seeks to ensure that all facilities meet the conditions and requirements stipulated in the Tourism Law and its associated regulations.

 The ministry stressed that all tourist and private hospitality facilities must obtain or renew their licenses before commencing operations. Operating without a valid license will result in penalties, including fines of up to SAR1 million, facility closure, or both. Violations may also be disclosed publicly.

 This mandate follows the ministry’s observation of tourist and private hospitality facilities listing units on local and international booking platforms without the necessary licenses or prior to obtaining them. In response, the ministry has formally directed all travel and tourism service providers—both local and international platforms—to remove unlicensed or unauthorized facilities from their listings immediately. Additionally, platforms must ensure that classification information displayed aligns with the official classifications provided by the Ministry of Tourism.

 The ministry urges users of hospitality services to report inquiries and provide feedback about their experiences by contacting the Unified Tourism Center at 930.