DOHA: Booking for Umrah trips is still open contrary to the practice in the past few years when the bookings closed by the beginning of Ramadan, say tour operators. Industry sources say that Umrah visas are likely to be issued until Ramadan 14 (June 19).
“Quota for Qatar is still available perhaps because it was not fully used due to low demand as families are unable to travel due to examinations of their children,” said a tour operator.
“The Saudi authorities have issued fresh approval for about two dozen visas to our company last week. I believe other operators have also got more visas,” he added.
Usually one or two days before Ramadan, the Saudi authorities stop issuing Umrah visas. “We have very few applications And we are waiting for more customers,” said a source.
Charges of Umrah tour have not surged this Ramadan due the low demand. The fee for travelling by bus ranges between QR1,600 and QR2,000 per person. However, it is more compared to other months when a trip used to cost about QR1,000. This increase is normal because accommodation and transportation charges in Makkah and Madinah also go up during Ramadan. “Demand has not increased this Ramadan as much as we expected. However, it has almost doubled compared to other months,” said the source.
Some tour operators used to cash-in on the huge demand during Ramadan by increasing the charges, which has not happened this time. The presence of so many operators in the market and a healthy competition are other contributing factors. Umrah charges include the cost of transportation from Doha to Makkah and Makkah to Madinah and back to Doha and hotel fares during the trip which takes normally takes 12 days during Ramadan.
Some operators arrange guided tours to historic sites in Makkah and Madinah as part of the package. Fares could vary depending on the nature of the trip. Umrah can be performed any time of the year in keeping with the rules set by Saudi authorities, in contrast to Haj, which is the main pilgrimage performed during a specific period every year.
The Peninsula
