Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, yesterday chaired a meeting of SCTA's board of directors and thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for approving the national strategy for the development of handicrafts.

"This reflects the government's concern to develop this sector, which can play an important role in the economy," Prince Sultan said. Handicrafts and cottage industries would contribute to the welfare and progress of a large number of people, he added.

Referring to summer festivals, Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of cooperation between SCTA and its partners in different regions to make these events a big success. He thanked Riyadh Gov. Prince Sattam for opening Saudia summer program today.

Meanwhile, five field inspection teams from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) in Jeddah will work in full capacity during this summer to inspect hotels and furnished apartments and make sure there are no violations regarding prices and there is a high level of service for the customers, deputy CEO of the SCTA in Makkah region Hisham Madani announced.

He said the teams would include representatives from the SCTA, the Jeddah municipality and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).

"Summer represents the peak in the number of visitors to the Red Sea coastal city with occupancy in hotels and furnished apartments reaching more than 90 percent," he added.

Madani warned the hotels and furnished apartments of punitive measures for any slackness in the level of service or any unjustified price hikes and said the punishments might go from a fine of at least SR 10,000 to the final closure of the facility.

Madani said the SCTA decides on the prices for the accommodation facilities during the whole year but allows hotels to increase their prices during the summer season by 30 percent and the furnished apartments by 50 percent.

"These prices have been approved by the SCTA and should be placed clearly at the reception so that the customer can decide to accept them or look for another accommodation," he said.

Madani asked all the vacationers and visitors, whether Saudis or foreigners, not to hesitate to inform the SCTA of any violations concerning the prices or the level of service. He asked the complainants to support their accusations with solid evidence and to use the SCTA's free toll number: 800 755 0000.