JEDDAH — The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has punished 10 tourist accommodations in Jeddah by slapping a fine of SR30,000 each, an official with the commission has said. Mohammad Al-Amri, SCTH director in Jeddah, said the commission carried out several inspection tours during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr holidays. "Five teams toured hotels, furnished apartments, travel agencies and tour organizers to document any violations," he said. Al-Amri pointed out that these inspections were aimed at ensuring that all tourism activities were complying with the commission's regulations and enhancing the services they provide. He said under a new system in force they immediately respond to complaints from the public and carry out thorough investigations before implementing punishments. The violations documented during the raids include not implementing the regulations the commission made mandatory during Ramadan. The commission has fined these establishments and issued various punishments. Al-Amri said they had also issued several warnings to violators. However, these establishments did not correct the violations despite repeated warnings and therefore punishments were imposed. Al-Amri said the commission was working in cooperation with other government departments, mainly the municipality, the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Commerce. He highlighted the role the public plays in documenting violations by informing about them. He called on the citizens to call the commission at 19988 if they come across any sort of violations.
