Saudi Arabia's Tourism Ministry Announces 99% Growth In Tourism Hospitality Licenses

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism announced that the number of tourism hospitality facilities licensed to operate across the country has increased to more than 3,950 by the end of the third quarter (Q3) of this year. This figure marks a growth rate of 99% compared to the same period in 2023.

The ministry also said that the number of licensed rooms reached over 443,000 by the end of Q3 of 2024, reported Saudi Press Agency. This represents a growth rate of 107% compared to the same period last year, where the number of rooms was more than 214,000. Notably, the number of licensed hospitality facilities in Q3 2023 was about 2,000. 

The significant surge in the number of tourism hospitality licenses is the result of the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Tourism to empower operators and investors in the hospitality sector to obtain licenses. This includes providing facilities with operating fees reduced by up to 22%. The ministry also contributed to the issuance of a decision exempting hospitality facilities from municipal fees as part of the ministry's keenness to ensure the upgrading of services provided by hospitality facilities to international and domestic tourists.