Amidst the serene backdrop of Makkah and Madinah, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb has issued a resolute directive to heighten the scrutiny and oversight of hospitality facilities catering to Umrah pilgrims during the sacred month of Ramadan.
Under the banner of “Our guests are the priority,” the ministry’s campaign aims to uphold the sanctity of pilgrimage by ensuring strict compliance with Tourism Law and regulations, all while enhancing the quality of services bestowed upon the honored guests of God.
In a proactive move, the minister, flanked by ministry officials, embarked on an extensive inspection tour of tourist hospitality establishments, emphasizing the imperative adherence to regulatory standards and the provision of unparalleled services to pilgrims and visitors alike.
Recent monitoring endeavors uncovered a staggering tally of 403 violations across 682 inspection excursions in the holy cities prior to Ramadan’s advent. Makkah witnessed over 468 monitoring rounds, exposing 278 infractions, while Madinah saw over 214 inspections, uncovering 278 violations, with 125 specifically identified during Ramadan preparations.
The infractions ranged from operating without proper licensure to subpar service provisions and inadequate maintenance, including failures to display transparent price lists in both Arabic and English.
These meticulous inspection endeavors underscore the Ministry of Tourism’s unwavering commitment to serve pilgrims, both domestic and international, by ensuring top-tier hospitality standards. This collaborative effort with relevant government bodies aims to facilitate a seamless pilgrimage experience, fostering ease and comfort for visitors to fulfill their sacred rituals.
Furthermore, the ministry encourages feedback from visitors and Umrah pilgrims, providing avenues for communication via the Visitor Care Center hotline or through official social media channels, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the realm of pilgrimage hospitality.
