RIYADH, 8 November 2004 — A slew of holiday packages for Eid vacation and a range of cost-effective Haj and Umrah packages are being offered by travel agencies and car rental companies in their bid to cash in on the high season.
The most novel of the packages is that of a luxury, chartered flight from Riyadh to the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh during Eid vacation. The flight is set for Nov. 14.
“This six-day trip using a chartered flight is a novel operation and is already proving to be a big draw,” said Ashlyn Sena, general manager of Al-Mousim Travel Agency, which is offering the package.
“The package will cost SR2,990 which includes airfare and hotel accommodation besides other services,” she said. Similar chartered flights will be operated to other destinations during Haj and other vacations, she added.
Many car rental companies have also announced special packages for Umrah and Haj as well as cost-effective offers for holiday trips by road around the Gulf countries.
M.S.A. Qureshi, Budget’s regional manager, said: “A person opting for the Budget package can perform Haj in ease and comfort or travel by car to tourist destinations in the Gulf during the holidays.”
Budget has set up a special department to serve Umrah and Haj pilgrims this year. “Many tailor-made packages have been designed for Haj and Umrah with unlimited mileage rental and comprehensive insurance cover,” Qureshi said.
Budget’s “Drive and Dwell” package is already popular. The package includes vehicle of one’s choice, hotel accommodation and other facilities.
Hertz Rent a Car has launched an exclusive Ramadan package for Jeddah residents. It offers visitors easy access to the Grand Mosque. Customers will be collected by the chauffeur-driven service from their homes, offices or any Hertz location for their journey to Makkah, arriving in time for the Maghrib prayers. They will be picked up after the Taraweeh prayers from the Haram precincts for the return trip.
A spokesman for Al-Tayyar Travel Group said his company is offering holiday packages to various destinations abroad in addition to sightseeing trips within the Kingdom.
