JEDDAH: The board of directors for the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) on Tuesday approved contracts to establish five new regional museums in Baha, Hail, Dammam, Tabuk and Asir.
Speaking to reporters after a board meeting, chairman of the commission Prince Sultan bin Salman said the SCTA would also introduce on Dec. 18 (Muharram 1, 1431A.H.) a new classification system for hotels and furnished apartments in line with international standards.
He said the new system would be implemented in coordination with the private sector and businessmen who have investments in the hospitality industry.
“This new classification system will be introduced in order to help tourists receive suitable accommodation,” Prince Sultan said. “It will also help tackle the issue of price hikes within the hospitality sector,” he added.
Describing the main objectives of the new system, the SCTA chief said it was aimed at protecting consumers, improving services, encouraging investments and increasing job opportunities for Saudis. “The furnished apartments sector alone will provide at least 10,000 jobs for Saudis in the first phase,” he said.
Prince Sultan said the board reviewed the efforts made to develop the Kingdom’s antiques, museum and architectural heritage sector. “We have noticed that there have been a lot of shortcomings in terms of protecting the Kingdom’s museums, antiquities and architectural heritage, and making them ready for tourists and visitors.
“We have given priority to the protection and development of antiquities and heritage sites and enhance public awareness about their historical importance,” he said. Efforts are being made to increase awareness among students about national heritage and antiquities, in coordination with the Ministry of Education.
The board heard a report about tourism services in the Kingdom and complaints from tourists about current services. It also examined the low quality of services provided to tourists and visitors at some rest houses and hotels along the Kingdom’s highways.
“The meeting emphasized the need for government departments to tackle these shortcomings in various provinces in order to improve tourist services,” Prince Sultan said.
