The Consumer Protection Society (CPS) has opened a toll-free telephone number – 19930 – to register complaints from the public over price-fixing, as visitors to Jeddah express their ire at the “astronomical” charges of tourist services. “The moment that tourists arrive in Jeddah they are struck by the high charges,” said Jameel Al-Qahtani, visiting from the south of the Kingdom. “The city compares very unfavorably to foreign tourist destinations in terms of both charges and facilities.” According to Al-Qahtani, businessmen seeking a quick profit require a more far-sighted view. “In the end this will lead to holidaymakers deserting domestic tourism which will undermine all the work of the Saudi Tourism Commission to promote the country,” he said. The CPS has also reminded tourists that they can contact the Ministry of Trade directly via its toll-free number 8001241616 should they notice any unusual price increases in essential products, but for Nadia Ahmad the issue is much more widespread. “It's not just in essentials and tourist services, but you can also see it happening in off-the-shelf summer clothes at shopping centers/stores,” she said. Visiting from the Eastern Province, Muhammad Al-Khathami says the solution is greater control from the authorities. “I couldn't believe it when I found that the cost of rides at amusement parks in Jeddah had gone up by 30 percent last year,” he said. “They need to clamp down on people who are only out to make a fast buck without considering the long-term consequences.” As an outsider unfamiliar with the city, Al-Khathami also lamented the lack of road maps and city guides. “I keep getting lost,” he said. “There is nothing to help holidaymakers and visitors find their way.”
