JEDDAH — The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) shut down an unlicensed services office in Sari Street, Al-Hayat reported.
A source from the commission said the office offered hotel booking services and was operating without a license. “The office was run by women and they would call people up and offer them a bundle of discounts and coupons. They had printing machines to print fake membership cards to their clients,” said the source.
The source added the office was shut down with the cooperation of the Jeddah SCTA office, Jeddah police and the Jeddah labor office. Makkah SCTA Head Mohammad Al-Amri said citizens should be aware and careful about their private information.
“Not all the operating offices in the country are certified. The commission is trying its best to seize all unlicensed activities. However, the commission needs the citizens' cooperation in addition to its efforts. Citizens need to guard their bank account information and not give it to any company they come across,” said Al-Amri.
He added the women employees at the Jeddah labor office are the ones who reported the office's illegal practices to the commission.
“The labor office employees were extremely professional. The commission is the legal authority responsible for licensing and inspecting all establishments in the tourism sector and other related fields including hotels and hospitality services,” said Al-Amri.
