Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has warned hotel establishments that advertise their facilities, including on social media, without obtaining the necessary permits.
“It is not permissible for any natural or legal person to occupy, utilize, exploit or dispose of any tourist site or area or part of it, except with a license from the Ministry,” the official statement said.
The ministry's previous circular issued on August 17, 2021, had warned owners of some hotel establishments advertising and promoting them through various social media platforms without obtaining a tourist license, which is in violation of Article (12) of the Tourism Law promulgated by Royal Decree 33/2002.
The ministry said it would like to emphasize to the owners of these establishments to stop the activity and follow the procedures for opening new hotels, which were announced on November 15.
"The applications, which must be made within six months, must be submitted through the website of the Ministry."
Earlier this month, MHT has announced regulations for the establishment of new establishments, aimed at providing a balance to the quality of hotels available to the guests. The ministry will receive requests to establish hotel establishments projects on private lands as per the new regulations from December 1.
In Muscat, Muttrah, Al Amerat, and Qurayyat, MHT will not allow projects classified as one, two stars, hotel apartments, guest houses.
At the same time, three to five-star hotels, luxury hotel apartments, heritage and green hotels will be allowed in the Muscat governorate. The same regulations will be applicable to the Wilayat of Seeb.
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