Several visitors and tourists have expressed outrage at the more than 60 percent increase in the prices of hotels and furnished apartments in Jeddah with the start of the spring break.

They told Arab News that extortionate prices are stretching their budgets and demanded that authorities intensify inspections in order to protect the tourist market.

Khaled Al-Mutairi, a visitor from Riyadh, had initially intended to spend the spring break with his family in Jeddah, but changed his plans when he noticed the price increases.

Ahmed Khalil, a staff member at one of the apartment buildings located near Jeddah’s Corniche, confirmed that landlords have increased prices by more than 60 percent.

“A two-bedroom apartment costs SR400 per day during regular seasons but has increased to SR850,” he said. “They also raise prices to compensate for the losses incurred throughout the rest of the year.”

Hamad bin Nasser, a visitor from Dammam, also expressed shock that apartments along the waterfront have increased from SR450 to more than SR950 per night.

Mizel Atwi, a visitor from Tabuk, questioned the role of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Commerce in monitoring accommodation prices in Jeddah.

Talal Al-Shammari from Hail said he was forced to pay a sum that exceeds an entire month’s worth of rent since landlords do not tend to rent out their properties to singles.