The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has reported a remarkable growth of 32 percent in the number of licenses issued for travel and tourism services by the end of 2024, totaling 2,853 licenses compared to 2023. This increase underscores the ministry’s dedication to advancing the tourism sector and enhancing service quality.
Preliminary data for 2024 reveals that the Riyadh Region issued the highest number of licenses, totaling 955. Following closely are the Makkah Region with 792 licenses, the Eastern Region with 472, the Madinah Region with 191, and the Qassim Region with 116 licenses. This distribution highlights the diverse opportunities for tourism development across the Kingdom.
The Tourism Law characterizes travel and tourism services as encompassing the arrangement, organization, and provision of tourism-related services, such as tours, ticket sales, visa assistance, and hospitality bookings. This comprehensive definition ensures that all aspects of the tourism experience are regulated and enhanced.
Official spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism, Mohammed Al-Rasasimah, stated that the increase in licenses reflects the ministry’s commitment to supporting tourism operators and improving service quality to meet the needs of the growing number of domestic and international tourists.
Hospitality facilities growth in Makkah
In March, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism announced that by the end of 2024, over 1,000 hospitality facilities in Makkah have been licensed, marking an impressive 80 percent increase compared to 2023. This achievement signifies the highest number of licensed facilities and rooms across the Kingdom, reinforcing the ministry’s focus on Makkah as a key tourism hub.
The ministry is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of visitors and Umrah performers who utilize hospitality services in Makkah. This initiative is part of its ongoing mission to elevate service quality. To ensure compliance with licensing requirements, the ministry’s inspection teams conduct regular monitoring and inspection visits throughout the year. These proactive efforts aim to identify violations and impose fines as outlined by the Tourism Law and the Regulations of Tourist Accommodation Facilities.
The ongoing increase in hospitality facility licenses in Makkah can be attributed to the ministry’s continuous campaigns aimed at ensuring the quality of services provided by hospitality operators and tourism businesses.
Read more: Saudi Arabia advances coastal tourism growth with key initiatives in 2024
New online license verification service
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism introduced a new online service that allows visitors to check the license status of hotels and serviced apartments in Makkah and Madinah. Accessible via the ministry’s official website – www.mt.gov.sa – this service is designed to uphold quality standards within the hospitality sector while protecting the rights of visitors.
Enhancing visitor experience
This initiative, as reported by SPA, is part of the ministry’s “Our Guests Come First” campaign, which aims to enhance the overall experience for visitors and ensure that hospitality establishments comply with licensing and regulatory requirements. The verification tool enables visitors to make informed choices when booking accommodations, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable stay. The ministry is also focused on expanding the availability and accessibility of this service to reach a broader audience.
Moreover, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to addressing visitor inquiries and gathering feedback regarding hospitality services. Travelers can easily reach the Unified Tourism Center at 930 or connect through the ministry’s official social media channels for additional support.
