Tourism Ministry proposes mandatory staffing ratios, requiring up to 3 employees per hotel room
RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism is moving towards mandating a minimum number of employees for tourist hospitality facilities, based on the number of rooms and the establishment’s classification. This initiative is part of the scheme of "minimum staffing requirements for tourist hospitality facilities”, which was released for public consultation a few days ago. The aim is to ensure adequate…
The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia is considering implementing mandatory staffing ratios for tourist hospitality facilities. These new rules, currently under public consultation, aim to ensure adequate workforce capacity, improve service quality, and enhance operational efficiency amid the Kingdom's rapid tourism growth. The proposed ratios vary depending on the classification of the establishment, with luxury five-star hotels requiring up to three employees per room, and hostels needing one employee per ten rooms.
The regulations stipulate specific ratios for various categories of hotels and apartments, as well as one-star establishments and unclassified facilities. These ratios are consistent across economy and first-class accommodations. Establishments licensed before the regulations take effect will have a 180-day grace period to comply, while those moving to a higher classification will have 90 days to reach the required workforce.
Compliance monitoring and penalties will commence on January 1, 2027, with violators facing consequences under the Tourism Law. The move comes as Saudi tourism is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the number of domestic and international tourists expected to reach nearly 123 million in 2025, representing nearly a 6-percent increase from 2024. Tourism spending is also projected to reach a record high of approximately SR304 billion.
Written by urgent.news from Saudi Gazette's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
