Egypt's Hajj tourism sector is gearing up for the new season, with authorities taking steps to tighten oversight and curb unlicensed brokers and misleading advertisements. According to Walid Khalil, Deputy Head of the Religious Tourism Committee and Head of the Committee for Combating Illegal Entities, the sector has seen significant interest, with around 145,500 citizens applying for Hajj tourism packages. This number, he says, is a clear indication of the sector's success.
Khalil emphasized that the authorities are working to coordinate with relevant parties to combat unlicensed brokers and intermediaries operating outside the law. He noted that these brokers often seek to deal with multiple companies to maximize their profits, which can harm the interests of citizens and companies alike. The authorities are also monitoring social media platforms for unauthorized advertisements and taking swift action against them.
To address the issue of unlicensed brokers, Khalil said that companies have been advised to regularize their dealings with bloggers and marketers, and to contract with them officially. He stressed that company names and licenses must be clearly displayed in advertisements, and that bloggers are prohibited from promoting Hajj tourism services on their own behalf or acting as intermediaries without affiliation to a licensed tourism company.
The crackdown on unlicensed brokers and misleading advertisements aims to protect citizens' rights and ensure that Hajj procedures are carried out through licensed and regulated tourism companies. Khalil stated that the authorities are committed to safeguarding the interests of citizens and ensuring a smooth Hajj experience. He also noted that the number of complaints related to Hajj services was limited, and that most issues were not directly related to the services themselves.
Preparations for the 1448H/2027 Hajj season have begun, with the Religious Tourism Committee holding meetings with companies and coordinating with Egyptian and Saudi authorities. Khalil said that the sector is working to review observations from the previous season and implement improvements. He emphasized that the Hajj tourism sector is committed to protecting the rights of pilgrims and providing a high-quality experience.
The Egyptian authorities' efforts to regulate the Hajj tourism sector aim to prevent irregularities and ensure a safe and organized experience for pilgrims. With the new season approaching, the sector is working to implement measures that will enhance the overall experience for citizens. The authorities' commitment to transparency and accountability is expected to help build trust and confidence in the sector.
Key measures being implemented include stricter regulations on advertising and the use of licensed brokers.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has tightened oversight on Hajj tourism to curb unlicensed brokers and misleading advertisements.
- Authorities are working to coordinate with relevant parties to combat unlicensed brokers and intermediaries operating outside the law.
- The sector has seen significant interest, with around 145,500 citizens applying for Hajj tourism packages.
