890 violations recorded in hospitality facilities in Mecca and Medina
The Ministry of Tourism has intensified its field inspection efforts of hospitality facilities , including hotels, serviced apartments, and other establishments, in both Mecca and Medina, coinciding with the Umrah season during the first half of Ramadan. These measures reflect the Ministry's commitment to ensuring the provision of the best possible services to pilgrims and visitors.
Results of the inspection tours in the Two Holy Mosques
Official statistics revealed that the Ministry's inspection teams conducted 1,166 inspection visits to hospitality facilities in Mecca during this period, resulting in the detection of 762 violations. In contrast, Medina saw 426 inspection visits, during which 128 violations were recorded. This brings the total number of violations detected in the two holy cities to 890, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to enforcing regulations.
The importance of oversight and keeping pace with Vision 2030
These campaigns are not merely routine administrative procedures, but rather part of a broader strategic framework linked to the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Guests of God Service Program. The Kingdom seeks to increase its capacity to receive Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, which necessitates a robust infrastructure and world-class hospitality services. Strict oversight of hospitality facilities a cornerstone for ensuring the sustainability of this vital sector and protecting the rights of its beneficiaries.
Awareness before punishment
Believing in the importance of partnership with the private sector, the Ministry did not limit itself to punitive measures. Field teams conducted 887 awareness visits in Mecca and 367 similar visits in Medina. These visits aimed to encourage those in charge of tourist accommodation facilities to adhere to quality standards and licensing requirements. The monitoring and awareness efforts covered more than 1,420 facilities in Mecca and more than 573 facilities in Medina.
Economic impact and improved visitor experience
Adherence to regulations and standards in the accommodation sector directly enhances the visitor and pilgrim experience, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading religious tourism destination. Eliminating violations such as poor hygiene or operating without proper licenses contributes to creating a fair competitive environment among investors and increases operational efficiency, positively impacting the local economies of the two holy cities.
The ministry indicated that the most prominent violations that were observed were non-compliance with decisions and instructions, low levels of cleanliness in some facilities, in addition to shortcomings in providing the ministry with the required data or failure to complete employee data.
In closing, the Ministry of Tourism called on all visitors and beneficiaries not to hesitate to submit their inquiries, comments, and reports about any shortcomings in services by contacting the Unified Tourism Center on number (930).
