MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has issued the executive regulations for the Tourism Law, reinforcing efforts to regulate activities, strengthen governance and improve the efficiency of the sector in line with Oman Vision 2040.
The decision mandates the implementation of the new provisions and requires all licensed operators to align their activities within six months of entry into force. It also repeals the previous executive regulations issued under Ministerial Decree No. 124/2021, along with any conflicting provisions.
Under the new framework, the ministry will maintain dedicated registers for each tourism activity, documenting licences, correspondence and violations. Engaging in tourism activities or operating establishments without prior licensing is prohibited.
The regulations define a broad licensing structure covering hotel and tourism establishments, travel and tourism offices, foreign company branches, tour guides, adventure tourism operators, entertainment groups and business tourism entities. Applications must be processed within 60 days, with non-response deemed implicit approval. The framework also sets licence fees, validity periods and penalties for late renewal.
For tourist and hotel establishments, prior approval is required before construction, alongside compliance with designated land use and classification standards. Establishments must display their classification and licence details prominently and establish electronic links with relevant authorities to provide periodic statistical data. A 4 per cent tourism fee and an 8 per cent service charge are also mandated, with clear mechanisms for collection and audit.
Travel and tourism agencies are authorised to organise trips, issue tickets and provide agency services, but are barred from using unlicensed guides and must provide insurance coverage for tourists. Tour guides are classified into general, site-specific and specialist categories, with English-language guiding restricted to Omani nationals. The regulations also define professional obligations and prohibited practices.
Adventure tourism is subject to stringent safety requirements, including mandatory insurance, risk management planning and adherence to official weather warnings. Entertainment groups are limited to performances in classified establishments and must comply with public decency standards and restrictions during religious occasions.
Business tourism operators are required to submit programme data and statistics, supported by a central database to monitor visitor flows and economic impact. The regulations also establish controls over the allocation and use of tourism land, including usufruct rights, contractual obligations and approval requirements for development.
Inspection and enforcement provisions grant authorised officers the power to monitor compliance, with penalties ranging from administrative sanctions to licence suspension or revocation. Establishments may also be downgraded for failing to meet service standards.
The ministry said the regulations mark a significant step in strengthening the legislative framework of the tourism sector, improving service quality, safeguarding visitor interests and enhancing Oman’s attractiveness as an investment destination. — ONA
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