Updated regulations for licensing private tourist accommodations and oversight mechanisms.

Regulatory and Licensing Considerations

The ministry emphasized that it is not permitted to operate a private tourist hospitality facility unless a valid official license is in place. Continuing the activity after the license expires, is canceled, or during a suspension period is prohibited. Operating is also banned if any of the approved licensing conditions are no longer met.

The updated regulation outlines several key controls for granting licenses, most notably that the facility must be located within a property designated for residential or agricultural use, or within a property with mixed residential and commercial use. The number of licenses issued to the same licensee for a single property shall not exceed three. The minister or their delegate has the authority to suspend the issuance of licenses for a specified period in any geographic area based on regulatory considerations deemed appropriate by the ministry.

The regulation also allows for possible exemptions from certain requirements by a decision of the minister or their delegate, based on considerations including the needs of the tourism sector in the region or target destination, the scale of the project and its expected impact on improving the quality of tourism services and increasing the capacity of tourism units, as well as any other considerations serving the public interest in regulating the sector.

Inspection, Oversight, and Obligations

The regulation specifies a number of obligations that licensees must adhere to, including not using the ministry’s name or logo in any advertisement or marketing activity without obtaining its approval, responding to the ministry around the clock, complying with precautionary measures and procedures determined by the ministry in situations that may pose a risk to public health or safety, not allowing others to use the license, and displaying the license clearly within the facility.

The ministry clarified that those operating private tourist hospitality facilities will be subject to inspection and oversight in accordance with the provisions of the tourism law, its implementing regulations, and approved procedure manuals. Legal penalties will be applied to violators according to the schedule of violations and penalties stipulated in the law.

Procedures, Technologies, and Authorities

The regulation grants the ministry additional powers to support the implementation of its provisions, including hiring specialized technical companies or entities to carry out certain oversight or operational tasks, utilizing electronic linkage with government agencies and the private sector to verify the accuracy of data and information provided by beneficiaries, in addition to employing modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and automation of procedures and processes.

The ministry indicated that the necessary procedure manuals, controls, standards, decisions, and instructions for implementing the regulation will be issued by a decision of the minister or their delegate, published on the ministry’s official website, and become effective from the date of publication. Any notice or correspondence sent by the ministry to activity operators via the approved official address is considered official notification producing its legal effects.

Residential or Agricultural Use

This phrase typically refers to land or buildings designated for either housing (residential) or farming/crop production (agricultural) purposes. Historically, such designations have shaped zoning laws and land use planning, separating living spaces from farmland to prevent conflicts and promote organized development. The distinction helps manage urban growth, preserve rural landscapes, and ensure that communities can sustainably balance housing needs with food production.

Mixed Residential and Commercial Use

Mixed residential and commercial use refers to urban planning that integrates housing, shops, and businesses within the same area or building. This approach has historical roots in pre-industrial cities, where people lived above their workplaces, and was revived in the 20th century to promote walkable, vibrant neighborhoods. It enhances convenience and community interaction while reducing reliance on cars.

Residential or Agricultural Use

“Residential or Agricultural Use” is not a specific cultural site but a general zoning designation for land used for homes or farming. Historically, such areas have shaped human settlements, with agricultural land often supporting rural