Beginning Wednesday, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) will conduct rates and service inspection tours in hotels and furnished apartments in the city. According to Mohammed Al-Amri, executive director of SCTA in the Makkah region, the tours come as a result of directives of Prince Sultan Bin Salman, President of SCTA. “The inspection teams will not only uncover violations, but will also help turn the city into a modern metropolis,” Al-Amri said. The inspection teams, he explained, will compare real service rates with those listed on rate lists at each hotel and apartment. “We have made a toll free number available so that visitors to the city can report any violation,” he added. Al-Amri estimated the city's hotels at 96 while there are more than 900 furnished apartments. He called upon all the workers in these residential units to stick to the fixed prices according to the classification of each unit. “We would also like to stress that employees in all hotels and furnished apartments should offer the best service they can to their customers and help us improve domestic tourism,” he said. Al-Amri pointed out that the rates ordered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry are still valid and should not be ignored in order to take advantage of the spring season. “Visitors who notice any rate or service violation can phone our call center at 8007550000 where we have assigned operators to receive and deal with all complaints and suggestions,” Al-Amri said. He also added that the housing sector plays an important role in the development of tourism everywhere. Al-Amri drew the attention of workers in housing units to the directive of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, that rate lists should be posted in the reception area of all the city's residential units, so that customers can easily see them. “Any violation of this directive will result in owners being fined SR5,000, with the fine being increased if the violation is repeated. It has been noticed that most residential units in Jeddah are totally booked ahead of the summer season.
