Return of pilgrims in full capacity spurs retail and hospitality sectors’ boom in Makkah and Madinah

Return of pilgrims in full capacity spurs retail and hospitality sectors’ boom in Makkah and Madinah

Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The return of Hajj pilgrims in full capacity from all corners of the globe to what was before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, estimated at about 2.4 million, has been instrumental in spurring a boom encompassing the private economic sectors in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The most important of these sectors are the retail, accommodation and hospitality sectors. The retail sector with its various activities witnessed a remarkable growth at the end of the last Umrah season, which witnessed record numbers of pilgrims and worshipers thronging the Grand Mosque. The hospitality and accommodation sector is one of the most affected sectors by the pandemic, as well as support services, including the food sector, supplies and gifts, and transportation. Hence, the gains are great at this stage after two seasons in which Saudi Arabia succeeded in maintaining the existence of these sectors well in place through a package of initiatives to support investors and economic establishments operating in the Hajj and Umrah sector. This was after going through a critical phase due to the pandemic that resulted in huge fall in the rate of the arrival of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah,