DOHA - The number of residents travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah has drastically come down this Ramadan after the Saudi government stopped issuing visas for the purpose ahead of the holy month.
Ramadan every year witnesses a surge in passenger traffic to Saudi Arabia due to an increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims. Travel industry sources have, however, reported a dip in traffic this year and all airlines operating on this sector have been hit.
"A major portion of our Ramadan customers are those travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. This year we have only Qatari passengers, since they do not require a visa for the pilgrimage," said an official at a leading travel agency here.
Saudi authorities have stopped issuing Umrah visas in view of the massive expansion work going on in the holy sites in Makkah.
Makkah municipal authorities have served notice to over 300 buildings and hotels for demolition as part of the Saudi government's plan to redevelope the east side of the Makkah Harem Area.
The first phase of the demolition begins from 1st safar and will include prominent hotles such as the Sofital. Other hotels named the New Safa, Grand Makkah, Grand Umrah, Firdaus Makkah, White Palace and Elaf Al Huda will also be brought down.
Ramadan is the most preferred occasion to travel for many aspiring pilgrims, who opt to make the trip by air or by road.
"There has already been a drop in passenger flow to all destinations this Ramadan, as the holy month has coincided with the end of summer holidays. A fall in the number of Umrah pilgrims has further hit the market," said the official.
Several tour operators who conduct special Umrah trips by road during Ramadan had to shelve their plans due to the new development. An official of a community forum which organises Umrah trips for its members said: "We are still going on with our plans though many others have left the scene. We were successful in procuring visas for all those booked with us since we planned the trip well in advance."
After a relatively stagnant market due to the summer holidays and Ramadan, the travel industry is expecting a boom in business in the coming months.
"All business visits have stopped over the past two months due to the holidays. We are expecting a surge in traffic beginning next month. Christmas and Eid holidays in December will give a further boost to the industry," said the agent.
By Mohamed Iqbal
© The Peninsula 2008
