The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities issued licenses to six hotel projects in Assir province, director general of the commission's branch in the area Mohammad Al-Omrah said. He pointed out that these projects include four five and four star hotels, hotel apartments and a spa.

Al-Omrah said the projects are expected to be completed within the next two years and were launched on the initiative of Asir Gov. Prince Faisal bin Khalid and President of the SCTA Prince Sultan bin Salman.

The projects would expand high quality accommodation facilities that serve tourist aspirations, he said.

These comments coincided with the registration of 96 violations against 212 facilities during the past two weeks by the quality and licensing department in the commission's branch during its inspections of accommodation establishments. The inspections uncovered high prices and lack of commitment to hygiene standards in addition to violating the offered tourist services according to the given specifications.

Al-Omrah said that owners have been notified about these violations, and penalties will be imposed on them. "The commission's branch received 48 complaints during the past two weeks which have been dealt with," he said.

"Complaints are received through the tourist call center of the commission. The facility is then dealt with by field inspectors," he explained.