The National Committee for Haj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia, predicted that around four million Umrah pilgrims are expected in Mecca this year. This is a 15 per cent increase from last year when the figure stood at 3.1 million.
The hotel industry in the region is particularly excited about this expected surge. “We have high hopes for 2010 and are well placed to welcome guests to the holy city of Mecca," said Omar Boujlid, General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Mecca. "Following the global market stagnation observed in 2009, this year we have so far witnessed strong demand and have welcomed many new guests looking to experience a calming, spiritual stay in the Holy City." Boujlid said his hotel expects a boost in occupancy and has added 129 rooms to the hotel to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
The Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Mecca, part of the prestigious Abraj Al Bait complex, was inaugurated in November 2009.
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