Egypt's Tourism Ministry has affirmed its collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Hajj Ministry to promptly address any issues that may arise for Egyptian pilgrims and tourism companies during the Umrah season. According to Samia Sami, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Companies and Chair of the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah, the ministry's committees in Saudi Arabia are working around the clock to monitor the commitment of tourism companies to implement approved Umrah programs.
The committees are also tracking any observations that may affect the level of services provided to Egyptian pilgrims and intervening immediately to address any obstacles faced by companies or pilgrims. Sami emphasized that the coordination and cooperation between the Egyptian Tourism Ministry, Saudi Hajj Ministry, and relevant Saudi authorities contribute to quickly addressing any issues that may arise, ensuring the best possible care for Egyptian pilgrims during their stay in the holy lands.
The majority of tourism companies are adhering to the agreed-upon programs and providing the stipulated services to pilgrims. However, the ministry has identified a limited number of companies that have violated the approved programs. Sami stated that the ministry's committees deal with these cases immediately, working to correct situations, resolve problems, and take necessary legal actions against violating companies.
The ministry's intervention to address issues faced by pilgrims does not imply closure of the file or exemption of the company from accountability. Sami stressed that addressing problems and ensuring pilgrims receive their contracted services does not preclude accountability and legal actions against companies found to be in violation. The ministry's efforts are part of its fieldwork during the 1448 Umrah season.
The ministry's committees, represented by the Central Administration for Tourism Companies, continue to be stationed in Mecca and Medina to monitor the implementation of Umrah programs, assess the situation of Egyptian pilgrims, and verify that services provided match those registered and approved on the Egyptian Umrah portal. The committees conduct field visits to hotels where Egyptian pilgrims are accommodated.
During these visits, the committees assess the level of accommodation and services provided, meet with pilgrims to listen to their observations and complaints regarding services such as housing, transportation, and others included in Umrah programs. They work to examine and address these issues in coordination with tourism companies, Saudi agents, and relevant authorities. The ministry also relies on the "Rafiq" electronic application.
The "Rafiq" application allows for the registration and monitoring of Umrah journey stages, from confirming departure from Egyptian ports to arrival and accommodation in Mecca and Medina, and finally, return to Egypt. It also enables the sending and follow-up of observations and reports. The ministry's committees and the operations room benefit from the application's data to monitor program implementation and respond to reports.
Key points
- The Egyptian Tourism Ministry works closely with Saudi Arabia's Hajj Ministry to address issues faced by Egyptian pilgrims and tourism companies during Umrah season.
- The ministry's committees are stationed in Mecca and Medina to monitor the implementation of Umrah programs and assess the situation of Egyptian pilgrims.
- The "Rafiq" electronic application is used to register and monitor Umrah journey stages and provide swift intervention in case of issues.
