Fourteen hotels and furnished apartments were ordered after inspection tours by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) officials found them in violation of the set standards. The violations were detected even after grace period was given to the owners of these housing units. Financial penalties have also been imposed on the erring housing units. Abdul Rahman Al-Jasas, executive director of the SCTA branch in Riyadh, said it was very important that the owners of hotels and furnished residential units to cooperate with the tourism body which seeks to implements the standards which obligate investors in the hotel and furnished apartments sector to provide high-quality and trustworthy services that meet citizens and residents' expectations. Al-Jasas said that guests and tourists have the right to inspect whether a hotel or a residential unit is licensed by the SCTA. Compliance with standards and requirements serves the interest of investors and tourists, Al-Jasas added. The license, issued by the SCTA, and room rates should be displayed clearly at hotels and furnished residential units so that tourists or visitors can see them, Al-Jasas explained. Investors who have not met license requirements should follow up with the SCTA to complete the requirements and obtain licenses and avoid fines and closures, he said. “The SCTA gives a lot of attention to complaints and remarks it receives at its toll-free number 8007550000 or its website at www.scta.gov.sa.”
