MUSCAT – The move seeks to build a competitive and sustainable tourism sector while increasing its contribution to economic diversification and job creation.

Under the decision, the new regulations come into force immediately, with all licensed tourism operators required to regularise their status within six months of implementation. The regulations also cancels the previous executive rules issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 124/2021.

The ministry will establish dedicated registers for each tourism activity, containing all relevant data, licenses, correspondence, and violations. No tourism activity, or operation or management of tourist and hotel establishments, will be permitted without prior licensing.

The regulations set out a comprehensive licensing framework, covering permits for operating and managing tourist and hotel establishments, travel and tourism offices (including branches of foreign companies), tourist guides, adventure tourism, fine art groups, and business tourism.

Authorities must decide on license applications within 60 days, with no response within that period deemed implicit approval. The regulations also outline fees for issuing and renewing licenses, their validity periods, and penalties for delays.

For tourist and hotel establishments, preliminary approval is required prior to establishment, with clear rules on land use, classification levels, and mandatory display of classification and licensing signage.

Operators are also required to establish electronic links with the ministry and relevant entities, submit periodic statistical data, and comply with financial obligations, including a 4 percent tourism fee and an 8 percent service fee, subject to auditing procedures.

Travel and tourism offices are permitted to organise trips, sell tickets, and provide agency services, but are prohibited from using unlicensed guides and must insure tourists against potential risks.

The regulations define licensing requirements for tourist guides, classifying them as general, local, or specialist guides. Tourist guiding in English is restricted to Omani nationals, alongside clearly defined professional obligations and prohibitions.

Adventure tourism activities are subject to strict safety and security requirements, including mandatory insurance, risk management plans, and adherence to official instructions and weather warnings.

Fine art groups may operate only within classified tourist and hotel establishments, with restrictions on performances during certain religious occasions and requirements to respect public morals and Omani traditions.

Business tourism licensing is also regulated, with operators required to submit programme data and statistics, contributing to a national database to track visitor numbers and economic impact.

The regulations further outline mechanisms for the allocation and use of tourism lands, including contractual obligations, financial terms, and conditions for terminating usage rights. Prior approval is required for any development in designated tourism areas.

On enforcement, judicial officers are granted inspection powers, while licensees must facilitate oversight and provide necessary data. The regulations specify grounds for license suspension or cancellation, downgrading of establishment classifications, and administrative penalties.

The ministry said the regulations reflect its commitment to strengthening the legislative framework for the tourism sector, improving service quality, protecting tourist rights, and fostering an attractive investment environment in line with Oman Vision 2040.