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A delegation from Elaf Group of Hotels recently visited Bahrain to introduce its Hajj and Umrah services.
The group hosted 120 representatives from a number of local travel agencies with the aim of highlighting special services and facilities such as ticket reservations and hotel accommodation to pilgrims travelling across the causeway.
Ziyad Ahmed Bin Mahfouz, CEO of Elaf Group, said: “This visit is in line with our efforts to enhance co-operation with leading travel and tourism companies of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“We introduced the wide range of high-level services provided by Elaf Group and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a whole, emphasising the areas of travel, hospitality and tourism with particular focus on tourism for religious goals.”
The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.
The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people and their submission to God. The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar. It is expected to fall around November 14-18 this year.
However, there is another type of pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the umrah (lesser pilgrimage), which may be performed any time during the year. During umrah, Muslims observe some of the same pilgrimage rites as during Hajj. However, while this experience is commendable, it does not relieve believers from the requirement of performing the Hajj during the appointed annual time.
Reda Nasri Al Jazeeri, general manager of Elaf Assalam Hotel (Makkah), a part of Elaf Group, added: “Our trip intended to enhance ties and develop mutual relations with companies specialising in Hajj and Umrah services in Bahrain.
“It is of particular importance as the Bahrain market offers huge potential and there are facilities of mutual benefit to our countries, such as the waiving of visa requirements for bilateral travel.
“We gave a comprehensive presentation on our services and the nature of the facilities and hotels under the Elaf umbrella to Bahrain agencies catering to Hajj and Umrah.”
Mr Bin Mahfouz wants to further promote Saudi Arabia as a leading tourist destination and contribute to the development of its tourism activities, whether they involve entertainment, business, meetings or conferences, or religious observances.
He explained: “We want to fully support this vital industry’s role in diversifying the Saudi economy for the long-term. We will focus on achieving our main goal of providing high-quality products and services that meet the requirements of our clients from various targeted markets such as Bahrain.”
During the visit to Bahrain they discussed hotel management practices to local Umrah companies and introduced the plan to develop tourism in Saudia Arabia through the ‘continuous support’ provided by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
