Religious Tourism Committee Engages Travel Companies to Set Guidelines for New Hajj and Umrah Season

The Religious Tourism Committee of the Chamber of Tourism Companies is set to initiate a series of crucial meetings with companies involved in organizing Hajj and Umrah trips. The aim is to review the positive aspects of the previous Hajj season and discuss strategies for enhancing these elements, while also addressing any issues encountered and how to avoid them in the upcoming season.

This initiative aligns with the committee’s preparations for the new Hajj and Umrah season, as well as its plan to hold extensive meetings with tourism companies. These discussions will provide an opportunity for fruitful conversations aimed at ensuring the comfort and safety of pilgrims served by these companies.

The meetings will commence this week with an invitation extended to the expanded Religious Tourism Committee to convene at the chamber’s headquarters in Dokki over several days. Following this, committee chair Ahmad Ibrahim will lead sessions in various governorates, engaging with tourism companies at local chamber offices across the country.

The committee aims to compile key insights and suggestions from these meetings for discussion within the Higher Committee for Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, chaired by Samia Sami, Assistant Minister for Company Affairs. The goal is to establish regulations governing this year’s Umrah and Hajj trips.

Planning for Umrah and Early Preparations for Hajj

During these meetings, participants are expected to discuss significant positives from the last season that can be amplified, particularly in relation to land and economic Hajj programs. They will also address noted challenges in order to develop strategies for avoiding similar issues in future years.

The Religious Tourism Committee will present its vision for the upcoming Hajj season, especially considering new Saudi regulations that allow for an earlier start than previous years.

Key features of the new Umrah season will also be reviewed, including timing discussions and various proposals regarding when to launch the new Umrah season. The committee will outline comprehensive regulations that align with Saudi guidelines governing Umrah trips, ensuring all rights and interests of pilgrims are safeguarded.

Meeting with Companies

Additionally, responding to requests from several tourism companies, the Religious Tourism Committee held a meeting attended by representatives from approximately 150 other travel firms who gathered last week to celebrate a successful Hajj season and prepare for the upcoming one.

During this meeting, representatives congratulated the tourism sector on completing a successful Hajj season, noting it as one of the best due to unprecedented positive outcomes particularly in tourism-based programs such as land and economic Hajj.

They expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, including Minister Sherif Fathy, Samia Sami, Assistant Minister for Company Affairs, and all staff involved in facilitating a successful past season.

Thanks were also extended to Ahmad Ibrahim’s Religious Tourism Committee for their significant role in assisting tourism companies. Special acknowledgment was given to Osama Emara, Executive Director of the chamber, for his efforts alongside his team throughout the last season.

The tourism companies affirmed that a key indicator of overall success during this past Hajj season—particularly regarding tourism-led initiatives—was Egypt’s pilgrimage mission receiving a silver award from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as one of the best pilgrimage missions worldwide.