25% increase in Hajj and Umrah pilgrims expected

The Elaf Group of Companies expects a significant increase in the number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims this year.

The projection is based on Elaf’s assessment of the local tourism market and the significant activity it has been observing in its services portfolio. The Group is enhancing its services and facilities offered to its associate travel agencies in order to fully meet the needs of pilgrims.

Ziyad Ahmed Bin Mahfouz, CEO of Elaf Group, said: “We have positive expectations for this year as we have engaged in new contracts that will improve the delivery of our services and offerings to our clients and associate travel agencies. We anticipate a 25 per cent rise in the number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, with visitors from Egypt and Morocco predicted to account for the largest increases. Given these positive developments we expect our profits for 2010 to surpass last year’s figures.”

“We are committed to exerting extra effort to ensure that our services adhere to international quality standards and meet the expectations of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims looking for a unique experience. Tourism for religious goals has become a vital sector for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we are keen to play a key role in its further development,” he added.

Pilgrims from Egypt and Morocco account for the largest surge in the number of travellers coming for Hajj and Umrah in Mecca. Other countries that have been boosting the KSA’s tourism for religious goals are Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Sudan, Turkey, Indonesia, Tajikistan, and South Africa.