المملكة: No storage of toxic waste and no feeding of wild animals…new standards for the camps

The new regulations aim to regulate the camping sector through a careful evaluation that divides facilities into first and economic classes, according to specific environmental, service, and engineering requirements.

The Ministry of Tourism explained that camps include tents, open spaces, mobile homes, and caravans located in natural environments with clear boundaries that guarantee security.

Inspection Oversight

The Ministry indicated that obtaining a first-class classification requires passing an assessment with a minimum of 128 points, while the economy class requires at least 64 points.

The regulatory document revealed the application of two oversight paths, the first begins with a pre-examination before issuing the license to verify the initial fulfillment of the regulatory requirements, and is followed by an unannounced examination carried out by the competent employee within six months from the date of the license, to ensure the sustainability of the facility’s commitment to operational standards.

The standards stressed isolation Camping areas with environmentally friendly natural walls or barriers to ensure safe control of entry and exit.

The Ministry obligated investors to provide fire extinguishers that conform to civil defense requirements, along with first aid kits and a defibrillator, while exempting camps with a capacity of less than 50 beds from providing the latter device.

Electronic services

On the service side, the regulations imposed the provision of cashless payment options via bank cards and the Mada network, and the availability of advance electronic reservations.

The Ministry stressed the necessity of linking the login programs to the National Tourism Monitoring Platform, and displaying the QR code for the Spirit of Saudi Arabia website in the reception offices.

The procedures required providing the main entrances with lighting of no less than 200 lux, and illuminating internal paths with an intensity ranging from 10 to 25 lux, with a height not exceeding 40 centimetres.

It also required that camp sites be made available via global map applications, and that parking spaces be provided at a distance not exceeding 40 centimeters. It exceeds 150 meters from the main gate.

Accommodation spaces

The Ministry has strictly determined the accommodation spaces, as first class requires 18 square meters for single occupancy and 22 square meters for double occupancy, including bathrooms, while economy class spaces start from 14 square meters for single occupancy and 18 square meters for double occupancy, without taking into account the unit’s bathroom area.

The document pointed out the variation in nutritional requirements, as it adheres to First class camps provide a restaurant that serves three meals a day, while economy class suffices for two meals.

The instructions for open camping sites permit the provision of shared kitchens equipped with stoves and refrigerators that serve every ten units or every thousand square meters at a minimum.

Great attention to the requirements of people with disabilities

The regulations paid great attention to the requirements of people with disabilities, obligating to provide a bathroom equipped with universal access corridors, and a door that opens to the outside in width. 90 centimetres.

The requirements included providing these toilets with supportive handles and an emergency button to call for immediate assistance, and determining the number of toilets and shower areas based on the proportion of guests.

The Ministry of Tourism warned against storing or using hazardous or toxic waste inside the sites, while requiring operators to contract with licensed parties to dispose of the waste.

Prohibition of hunting and feeding animals

The instructions prohibited the hunting, feeding, or feeding of wild animals. Exploiting it for entertainment, with the exception of horse and camel riding, according to special licenses that take into account animal welfare standards.

The regulations obligated first-class camps to clean occupied units and empty garbage daily, while this is done every two days maximum in economy class.

They required Arabic- and English-speaking reception staff to work for 16 hours in first class and eight hours in economy, while ensuring round-the-clock telephone response.