ISLAMABAD: Local travel operators have increased the Umrah package up to SR 600 during the Holy month of Ramazan, as against SR 80-SR 200 per pilgrim in other months.
According to a Umrah operator in Saudi Arabia, this is to exploit additional rush of pilgrims during the holy month. The “peak season” this year coincides with summer holidays when a large number of vacationers including Saudis go for Umrah, more so in Ramazan, Arab news reported.
A couple pays SR 400 for a package that includes separate rooms. Couples seeking a five-day deal for Makkah and Madinah has to pay SR600. According to a spokesman from Al-Sai, a travel operator in the Saudi city, the weekend package to Makkah and Madinah starts at 4 pm from Riyadh on Thursdays, concluding at midnight on Saturdays.
While families are provide a spacious room, the singles are accommodated on a sharing basis with three or more pilgrims in one room. Children under 12 have to pay half the fare.
An officer at Anver Al-Shareefaine, travel agent, said a five-day package to Makkah and Madinah including travel and accommodation will cost a pilgrim only SR250 for bachelors and SR600 for a couple.
The offer includes a two-day stay in a three-star hotel in Madinah and another two-day lodging in a similar hotel in Makkah. The journey begins on Monday and ends on Friday.
