New decisions to regulate Saudi tourism: Saudization of tour guides and a ban on cash
In a strategic move aimed at developing and regulating the Kingdom's growing tourism sector, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism issued a package of new regulations designed to improve the quality of services and enhance sustainability. These regulations include restricting the profession of tour guide to Saudi citizens, prohibiting cash transactions in the tourism accommodation sector and related activities, and limiting tour groups to a maximum of 25 tourists per guide.
Development Background: Tourism at the Heart of Vision 2030
These decisions are an integral part of the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, which position the tourism sector as a key pillar for diversifying the national economy and reducing dependence on oil. Since the launch of the electronic tourist visa in 2019, the Kingdom has witnessed a growing influx of international visitors, necessitating the implementation of stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure a world-class tourism experience. Through these measures, the Kingdom aims to build a professional and sustainable tourism sector, capable of competing globally and attracting 100 million visits annually by 2030, while preserving the Kingdom's unique cultural identity and heritage.
Saudization of Tourist Guiding: An Authentic Experience and National Opportunities
The decision to "Saudize" the tour guide profession is one of the most prominent new regulations, aiming to empower Saudi youth and create promising job opportunities in this vital sector. By restricting the profession to Saudi citizens, the Ministry ensures an authentic tourist experience for visitors, as local guides recount their country's history and heritage with passion and deep knowledge. This decision not only supports localization policies and bolsters the local economy but also enhances the quality of cultural content offered to tourists, enriching their experience and providing them with a genuine perspective on Saudi society.
Digital transformation and the prohibition of cash: towards transparency and efficiency
The ban on cash transactions and the mandatory shift towards electronic payments represent a significant leap forward, aligning with the global trend towards digital transformation. This measure aims to increase financial transparency, facilitate payments for tourists, and reduce the risks associated with cash transactions. It also contributes to the full integration of the tourism sector into the Kingdom's digital economy, enhancing operational efficiency and providing accurate data to aid in future sector planning and improve the visitor experience.
Determining group size: A commitment to sustainable tourism
Limiting tour group sizes to a maximum of 25 individuals reflects the Ministry's commitment to the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism. This decision contributes to the protection of sensitive archaeological and natural sites by reducing the pressure caused by large crowds. It also ensures a more distinctive and interactive tourist experience for visitors, who will receive more attention from tour guides and be able to enjoy the sites more peacefully. These regulations are expected to have a multifaceted positive impact, contributing to raising the level of professionalism in the sector, enhancing international tourist confidence in the Saudi market, and supporting the local economy by creating jobs and promoting transparency. This represents a significant step towards achieving the Kingdom's global tourism ambitions.
