The Tourist Guiding Regulations, published in the official gazette "Umm Al-Qura," emphasize the necessity of accuracy in information provided to tourists and prohibit the provision of any misleading information, information that contradicts facts, or information that harms the Kingdom's reputation and interests. The regulations govern obtaining a tourist guiding license, its requirements and procedures, as well as the ongoing obligations of the licensee. The activity may not be practiced without a license, after its expiry or cancellation, during its suspension period, or if any of its conditions are no longer met.
Two licensing categories
The regulations specify two categories for licensing: “Regional Tourist Guiding” to provide the service in a specific administrative region as approved by the Ministry, and “Specialized Tourist Guiding” to provide the service in a specific specialty or location, with the possibility that the license may include more than one category, region, specialty, or location.
The conditions for applying for a license are that the applicant must be a Saudi national, at least 18 years old, and have no health impediment preventing him from practicing the activity, in addition to providing a certificate of good conduct and an approved first aid certificate, proof of proficiency in the language or languages other than Arabic that are to be taught, and payment of the specified financial fee.
The applicant must also pass the courses and tests approved by the Ministry of Tourism according to the required license category, or provide equivalent qualifications as determined by the Ministry. The license is valid for a maximum of three years and is renewable.
The regulations require the licensee not to use the ministry’s name or logo in any advertisement or marketing activity without obtaining its approval, to respond to the ministry around the clock, to obtain the necessary permits and approvals to visit sites that require it, to provide the service according to the license category, and not to enable others to use the license.
The regulations also stipulate that the license must be displayed on the guide's chest throughout the duration of the tour guide service, and that the license number, category, and language used in the guides must be included in advertisements, websites, and online platforms. Guides must also adhere to the regulations and policies of the locations where the activity takes place. The regulations limit the practice of tour guiding to accompanying tourists and providing them with tourist information, prohibiting the provision of services that require a separate license. Furthermore, the regulations obligate the licensee to adhere to the permitted number of tourists, use the languages specified in the license, and attend the training and enrichment programs designated by the Ministry.
The regulations emphasized the necessity of ensuring the accuracy of information provided to tourists, refraining from providing misleading or false information, or information that harms the Kingdom's reputation and interests. They also stressed the importance of courtesy and respect in dealing with tourists, and prohibited soliciting any commission, reward, gift, or service from tourists or establishments involved in the business. Furthermore, the regulations prohibited dealing with unlicensed or unauthorized entities, and mandated that licensed operators register their websites with the relevant authorities before advertising or conducting business through their online platforms.
Regarding prices, the regulation requires that the price of the tourist guide service be announced in both Arabic and English when offered through websites and electronic platforms, and that it includes any fees associated with the service, if any.
Protecting tourist data
It also stressed the protection of tourist data and privacy, informing the tourist when his lost belongings are found, not providing guidance services in military, border, customs or other locations that require permission without obtaining it in advance, in addition to not providing or arranging transportation services for the tourist except through a licensed travel and tourism service provider.
Upon direct agreement with the tourist, the regulation obliges the licensee to inform him of the service, price, fees, payment mechanism, cancellation, refund, modification, and his rights related to rescheduling the service and changes in emergency circumstances and force majeure, and to issue a booking document that includes details of the service, price, dates, duration, booking conditions, cancellation, refund, modification, and contact information with the ministry.
The licensee is also obligated to provide various payment methods, including credit payments via Visa and Mastercard together, and refunds according to the specified periods, with refunds being immediate for amounts paid in cash, and 30 days for amounts paid through point-of-sale devices or approved electronic means.
If the agreed service cannot be provided, the tourist must be informed immediately and given the option of either a full refund without deducting any fees, or rescheduling the service for another day after giving his written consent, without charging him any additional amount.
The practice of tourist guiding is subject to inspection, and penalties are applied to violations according to the schedule of violations and penalties for tourist activities.
Adjusting the status of licensees
The regulations included a mechanism for amending the status of former licensees to practice tourist guiding, provided that the status is amended within a period not exceeding 180 days from the date of entry into force of the amended regulations, or until the end of the license period, whichever is earlier, through the electronic portal of the Ministry of Tourism .
Under the mechanism, the category of “Specialized Tourist Guide” remains as is, while the category of “Tourist Route Guide” is modified to “Area Tourist Guide,” with the possibility of modifying it to “Specialized Tourist Guide” for routes that require specialization in a specific geographical area, while the category of “Site Tourist Guide” is modified to “Specialized Tourist Guide.”
Changing the license category does not entail paying any fees to the Ministry or altering the license's validity period. Licensees are required to submit a certificate of good conduct. Licensees currently holding a "Tourist Route Guide" license who are being upgraded to a "Tourist Area Guide" license must complete the required courses or take the necessary tests for this category, or their equivalent, as determined by the Ministry.
After the deadline for amending the conditions expires, the ministry will apply penalties for any violation according to the schedule and rules of violations and penalties for tourism activities.
