The SCTA has taken the move after receiving complaints from members of the public who were cheated by fake firms operating in the Kingdom. It has also said it will take strict action against the firms and called on people to report them. According to a report in Al-Watan Arabic daily, such firms are engaged in luring clients by offering attractive domestic and foreign holiday packages with reduced rates and free offers.

Saudi citizen Fahd Al-Harbi was targeted by an unscrupulous tour operator after filling a coupon offering the winner an attractive free holiday to a Saudi destination.

“The next day, I received a call from the employee of a tour office congratulating me for winning the prize. He asked me to bring my family to the firm’s office located on the Airport Road in Madinah to know details about the free trip,” said Al-Harbi, adding that on reaching the office he realized that the company was cheating members of the public.

Muhammad Al-Rasheedi, another Said citizen, said he also almost fell victim to a fake firm that was operating in a mall in Madinah.

There have been several reports of a number of people becoming victims of such fake firms run by foreigners.

Sources at the SCTA said they had received complaints from many citizens who had been targeted by these firms, which operate without proper licenses. Most of these firms set up stands in malls and shopping destinations with agents luring in shoppers.

Yousuf Al-Mozaini, executive director for tourism at SCTA in the Madinah region, said that the body is closely monitoring the market to rein in on illegal tour operators. “All people should cooperate with the SCTA and pass on information about such operators,” he added.