A classification system for tourist resorts and villages similar to that imposed on hotels is being finalized, according to an official from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) in the Eastern Province. Abdullatif Al-Bunaiya, Director of the SCTA's branch in the Eastern Province, said the system includes a comprehensive categorization of resorts in the region, similar to that of hotels and furnished apartments issued by the SCTA. The commission will start classifying and monitoring the places as soon as the regulation is issued. Each resort will be classified based on its level of service and commitment to standards. The SCTA will strictly monitor resorts and impose fines on violators, including violations of seasonal pricing, he said, adding that some furnished apartments and hotels were punished with fines and some closed temporarily for violations. __
