المملكة: “Tourism” bans “cash” and limits guidance to Saudis… and identifies 25 tourists for the group
The Ministry of Tourism proposed a project to amend the tourist guide regulations via the “Reconnaissance” platform, to raise Service quality and enhancing visitors’ experience, requiring obtaining a license to practice the profession, while setting strict controls for compliance and professionalism and keeping pace with the sector’s rapid growth.
Licensing conditions and limits
The Ministry has categorically prohibited the practice of Tourist guidance without obtaining a valid license, considering any activity outside this framework a violation requiring accountability, to ensure the elimination of random practices and the protection of tourists.
The regulations classified licenses into two main categories: “regional tourist guidance” and “specialized tourism guidance,” while allowing the licensee flexibility to add new areas or specializations during the license’s validity period to expand the scope of his business.
The new requirements limit the granting of a license to Saudis only who are not less than 18 years old, with the necessity of proving health fitness, submitting a record of no criminal record, in addition to obtaining an accredited certificate in first aid.
The draft linked obtaining the license to the applicant’s passing The Ministry set the validity period of the license at three renewable years, obligating those wishing to continue to submit a renewal application 90 days before expiration, to ensure continuity of regular work and avoid interruption gaps.
Exceptions and dealing procedures
The regulations granted the Minister the power to make exceptional exemptions from some conditions – except for the absence of a prior record – in order to attract highly qualified and experienced people or to meet the needs of specific tourist areas that require rare specializations.
The controls obliged the guides to wear the national uniform and display the license card clearly, while setting a maximum ceiling for the number of tourists in one group at 25 tourists, to ensure the quality of service and the ability to manage the group efficiently.
In a step to enhance financial transparency, the regulations banned dealing in cash permanently, obliging guides to provide approved electronic payment channels and issue authenticated invoices and reservation documents that preserve the rights of both parties.
The regulatory texts stressed protecting the privacy of tourists and preventing their exploitation, as they prohibited requesting any commissions or gifts, and obligated guides to disclose prices in Arabic and English, including all fees.
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