JEDDAH, 20 July 2004 — Workers in the tourism and Umrah sector expect that the Summer Umrah package, which was officially launched by Haj Minister Iyad Madani last month, would generate more than SR2 billion in income. The program would last throughout the summer and for the first time allow pilgrims to travel around the Kingdom in customized package programs. Sources say that projects in Al-Hada area in Taif would have its share of Umrah visitors from Arab and Asian countries.
Khalil Bahader, a member of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah Tourism, pointed out that the Summer Umrah package targets more than 600,000 pilgrims during the summer and it is expected to pump in more than SR2.5 billion in revenues. The tourism sectors are expected to benefit the most from this program, including the hotel, service companies and commercial centers sectors.
The official website for the program is www.summerumrah.com. The minimum amount to join the program is SR720 per person for six days and SR70 a day for every additional day.
More than 50 Saudis were trained to welcome and guide the pilgrims as part of the program.
Bahader said this program would encourage tourism in Taif, Al-Hada and Al-Shafa areas and encourage investors to new tourism projects in the area.
Bahader Plaza Hotel and Mall, which is the biggest and most recent project in Taif, in the past few days received large numbers of visitors from Asian and Arab countries.
Bahader, who is the owner of the hotel project, said the start of the program coincided with the opening of the project. Its activities, numbering more than 60, attract both Saudi families and visitors from outside the Kingdom. He added that the project took four years to complete and it cost SR140 million.
Bahader said the project has become one of the most biggest tourist attractions in Al-Hada area.
He expects an increase in tourism activities during the summer in many areas of the Kingdom, especially Al-Hada, because it is very close to Makkah.
