DAMMAM: The country’s tourism facilities have four months to ensure safety and quality standards are in line with the criteria issued by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), which came into force on June 18, 2015.

Omar bin Abdul Aziz Al-Mubarak, director general of the SCTNH’s licensing department, said that facilities had a year to comply with the new regulations. There would be intense inspections carried out, with violators fined SR100,000, and repeat offenders having to pay double.

Al-Mubarak said that by June all the facilities would have to comply. Those not sticking to price and other regulations would be punished. He praised investors for cooperating with the SCTNH.

Al-Mubarak said the SCTNH was committed to working with the government, investors, customers and tourists to ensure quality products are provided. The aim was to identify gaps in performance.