The Jeddah branch of the Tourism and Archaeology Commission (TAC) came down hard on the hospitality sector in the governorate by closing down seven hotels and furnished apartments and fining 23 others for various violations.
Executive director of the TAC branch in Makkah, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Omari, said his office began an investigation campaign on hospitality establishments for this summer season. Five teams are involved in monitoring prices, safety and quality. “According to latest figures, Jeddah has 102 hotels, 1,003 housing units, 369 travel agencies, and 69 travel providers,” he said.
He said the investigative teams have taken note of various issues in this sector and gave ample opportunities and warnings before penalties were imposed on those in violation while appreciating those who cooperated with TAC.
“It is not the objective of the TAC to find fault. We want to work with investors and tourists in a productive partnership through different channels to benefit this sector and the national economy,” said Al-Omari.
“The TAC expects the hospitality sector to announce their prices clearly in a prominent place in the reception area of the tourism facility. If the notice is not found a fine will be imposed,” he pointed out.
“The law does not allow an investor to increase prices at his discretion. Prices should on average not exceed 50 percent of the original price for the whole year,” Al-Omari continued.“Every year during the summer we have formed investigative teams in Jeddah, especially for the hospitality sector through a joint action between the TAC, Jeddah Municipality and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
7 hotels in Jeddah closed for violating tourism regulations
