There are nearly 2500 religions around the globe, of which some have attained global prominence. Tourism and religion have always shared a close bond since the early ages. Many religions consider an architecture in a certain place as a holy place of worship. So, travelling to a religious place as per a religion is considered a pilgrimage. Going to Mecca is regarded as a must for Muslims in around 160 countries because the journey is considered as a sacred pilgrimage. Every Muslim must make this holy journey for the following three reasons:
- Renewal of their faith
- Develop a close relationship with the Creator.
- Attain forgiveness for their sins.
The Hajj Holy Pilgrimage brings millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia every year. With the COVID restrictions lifted, this pilgrimage tourism market reached a market revenue of more than USD 150 billion in 2022 and is slated to reach USD 350 billion by 2032. The tourism industry is a huge source of income for many industries, ranging from transport, gifts, hotels, logistics, and travel.
The Hajj tourism industry is a complete package where visitors not only go to the Kaaba to offer prayers, but they also visit different holy sites in the same city. With the COVID restrictions, the Saudi government as well as reputed pilgrim service providers such as Al Bait Guests Pilgrim services are leaving no stone unturned to deal with any emergency that may arise anytime, anywhere in the pilgrimage. Al Bait is one of the first companies to get licensed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to offer services to Hajj pilgrims from other nations.
Al Bait Guests Pilgrim Services receives requests and tourists from all over the globe. So, their team understands the importance of updating themselves in every department, ranging from tourism to legal laws pertaining to the country to policy laws regarding permits and technologies.
The company’s pilgrimage package and travel trips are built around transparency. The best part is that their company guidelines align with Hajj initiatives of Islamic Nations and even other countries.
Since they have decades of experience in Hajj tourism, the company offers:
- Guidance in pilgrimage procedures such as arrangement of travel tickets, reservation tickets, getting permits as per the hour, proper scheduling of fees, payments, guidance to do the rituals and solving doubts regarding health insurance.
- They are well-equipped to provide assistance/reception services at airports so that the visitor can complete the pilgrimage and return home safely as per their plan. They have various fool-proof travel services where a visitor can be received from the airport, provided accommodation, hospitality, other services, and a proper plan to visit the holy places (two Holy Mosques, Hira Cave, Mount Uhud, and the city of Madina).
- They have an experienced Motawifs team (name for Saudi religious tour guides) who can speak multiple languages to guide the pilgrim regarding the rituals and procedures (the opportunity to be present during sermons and prayers at the proper time and place). To give the best services, Al Bait Guests Pilgrim Services has established field offices at all prime locations along the route.
Al Bait Guests signed many Memorandums of Understanding with global companies. The major focus is to ensure a proper organizational and service infrastructure that will have the capability to offer world class hospitality services for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
In recognition of its pioneering work and outstanding services, Al Bait Guests Pilgrim Services has received the prestigious Best Religious Tourism & Hospitality Services in Saudi Arabia 2023 award from International Business Magazine.
Since being established as the Tawafi Foundation for Pilgrims of South Asian Countries in 1983, the company is gearing up to achieve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision of 2030. The aim is to increase the quality of services for every Hajj pilgrim as per recent technological needs.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has several plans to diversify its tourism sector apart from Hajj pilgrimage. However, Hajj tourism will always be a vital factor in the country’s travel sector as well as revenue generation. Every employee at Al Bait Guests Pilgrim Service considers serving the Hajj Pilgrims as act of honour.
Blog by Sathya Narayana B
