DAMMAM: The decision by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) to ban all extra service charges by hotels and furnished flat owners will boost tourism in the country, according to Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Chairman of the Tourism Commission at the Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern Province. Those who continue to charge extra violate the SCTA's order and damage its credibility. It also impedes efforts to boost this vital industry which is expected to generate huge revenues estimated at SR100 billion and secure more than 100,000 jobs for the Saudi youth. He said the SCTA order is aimed at the 10 to 15 percent extra charged on the total bill by some owners. By doing so, this group ignores the great damage inflicted on this important industry. He said the SCTA instituted a grace period for owners to comply with the charges specified for each facility after its inspectors found that many furnished flats and hotels did not comply with the rates fixed by the commission. Those who do not comply face stiff penalties including closure of the facility. He praised the commission's efforts to promote the industry, particularly the newly passed legislation and regulations. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the SCTA, is scheduled to hold a press conference at Niara Hall for Festivals and Conferences in Riyadh on Sunday to launch 26 Saudia Summer Festivals all over the Kingdom. He will also inaugurate the exhibition organized on the sidelines of the conference, which includes the Abha Festival, Al-Namas Festival, Taif Summer, Souq Okaz, Tabuk Summer Gathering, Haqlana, Nassa, Dhiba Dark and Bahr Jark, Saudi Aramco in Riyadh, Saudia and World of Saudia. In addition, there is also the Riyadh Festival for Shopping and Entertainment, Jeddah Gair, Al-Sharqia Summer Program, Najran Summer, Al-Mudhnib Summer, Buraidah Summer, Jizan Summer Festival, Al-Quryat Summer Festival and Al-Jouf Helwa. Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Jahni, Deputy Chairman of the SCTA, said festivals reflects the diversity of the Kingdom' heritage and culture. He said the conference is aimed at informing tourists and the public about all the summer events.
