Umrah service providers in Saudi Arabia are hopeful that the revenue generated from pilgrimage this year will go up to SR12 billion. According to experts, around 3.3 million Umrah pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia, with the most number of visitors in Ramadan, a popular month for Umrah. 

The Haj Ministry has issued over 150,000 visas ever since Makkah was opened for Umrah this year, as a result of which hotels and furnished apartments in the city are reporting 100 per cent occupancy. Umrah service providers hope that the influx of pilgrims this year will help them recover from the setbacks they suffered in 2009 owing to the recession and swine flu outbreak.

Moreover, Umrah companies are doing their best to improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims. “Umrah companies have learned from past mistakes and want to avoid negative impressions,” said Abdul Hameed, who works in the tourism industry. “They are now trying to win the confidence of clients by providing them with excellent services. They have realised that only through providing prompt and excellent services they can get more clients.”