New Tourism Law in Oman: Stricter Rules and Higher Standards to Boost Business Opportunities and Investor Confidence
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has issued the executive regulations for the Tourism Law, reinforcing efforts to regulate tourism activities, strengthen governance, and enhance sector efficiency in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
The new regulations require all licensed operators to comply with the provisions within six months of their implementation. They also repeal the previous executive regulations issued under Ministerial Decree No. 124/2021, along with any conflicting rules.
A key feature of the updated framework is the establishment of dedicated registers for each tourism activity, where licences, correspondence, and violations will be documented. Engaging in tourism activities or operating establishments without a valid licence is strictly prohibited.
The regulations introduce a comprehensive licensing system covering hotel and tourism establishments, travel and tourism offices, foreign company branches, tour guides, adventure tourism operators, entertainment groups, and business tourism entities. Licence applications must be processed within 60 days, with non-response treated as implicit approval. The framework also specifies licence fees, validity periods, and penalties for late renewal.
For tourist and hotel establishments, prior approval is mandatory before construction, alongside adherence to designated land use and classification standards. Establishments must prominently display their classification and licence information and establish electronic connections with relevant authorities to provide regular statistical data. Additionally, a 4% tourism fee and an 8% service charge are imposed, with clear mechanisms for collection and auditing.
Travel and tourism agencies are authorized to organize trips, issue tickets, and offer agency services but are prohibited from employing unlicensed guides. They must also provide insurance coverage for tourists. Tour guides are categorized into general, site-specific, and specialist types, with English-language guiding reserved exclusively for Omani nationals. The regulations outline the professional responsibilities and prohibited practices for guides.
Adventure tourism operators must comply with strict safety requirements, including mandatory insurance, risk management plans, and adherence to official weather warnings. Entertainment groups are permitted to perform only in classified establishments and must observe public decency standards and restrictions during religious occasions.
Business tourism operators are required to submit program data and statistics, supported by a central database designed to monitor visitor flows and economic impact. The regulations also impose controls over the allocation and use of tourism land, covering usufruct rights, contractual obligations, and development approvals.
Inspection and enforcement provisions empower authorized officers to monitor compliance, with penalties ranging from administrative sanctions to licence suspension or revocation. Establishments may also face downgrading if they fail to meet service standards.
The Ministry emphasized that these regulations represent a significant advancement in strengthening the legislative framework of the tourism sector, improving service quality, protecting visitor interests, and boosting Oman’s appeal as an investment destination. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The new executive regulations for Oman’s Tourism Law signal a bold step towards structuring and elevating the sector in alignment with Vision 2040, presenting both stringent compliance requirements and growth opportunities. Businesses must prioritize licensing, safety, and service standards, while investors should eye the enhanced governance and data-driven oversight as key drivers for sustainable tourism ventures. Smart entrepreneurs can leverage these reforms to innovate within regulated adventure and business tourism niches, capitalizing on Oman’s push to become a premier, globally trusted destination.
