Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has revealed that by the end of 2024, over 1,000 hospitality facilities in Makkah have been licensed, marking a 80 percent increase compared to 2023. This achievement highlights the highest number of licensed facilities and rooms across the Kingdom.
The ministry is dedicated to protecting the rights of visitors and Umrah performers utilizing hospitality services in Makkah. This endeavor is part of its ongoing mission to elevate the quality of services offered. To ensure compliance with licensing requirements, the ministry’s inspection teams carry out regular monitoring and inspection visits throughout the year. These efforts aim to detect violations and impose fines as stipulated 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 focused on ensuring the quality of services delivered by hospitality operators and tourism businesses.
New online service for verifying hospitality licenses
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism introduced a new online service that permits visitors to check the license status of hotels and serviced apartments in Makkah and Madinah. Accessible through the ministry’s official website – www.mt.gov.sa – this service aims to uphold quality standards within the hospitality sector while safeguarding the rights of visitors.
Enhancing visitor experience through compliance
This initiative, SPA reported, is part of the ministry’s “Our Guests Come First” campaign, which aims to improve the overall experience for visitors and ensure that hospitality establishments adhere to licensing and regulatory requirements. The verification tool will allow visitors to make well-informed choices when booking accommodations, guaranteeing a safe and pleasant stay. The ministry is also working to broaden the availability and accessibility of this service to reach a wider audience.
Addressing visitor inquiries and feedback
Moreover, the ministry reaffirms its commitment to addressing visitor inquiries and gathering feedback concerning hospitality services. Travelers can easily contact the Unified Tourism Center at 930 or connect through the ministry’s official social media channels for additional support.
