Four Million Umrah Pilgrims Expected in 2010

Over four million foreign pilgrims are expected to come to Makkah for Umrah during 2010. This is according to the National Committee for Haj and Umrah that released information estimating a 15 percent year on year increase in pilgrims this year, a number that had grown by 8.93 percent in 2009 to 3.3 million from 3.1 million in 2008.

“We have high hopes for 2010 and are well placed to welcome guests to the holy city of Makkah,” said Omar Boujlid, general manager of Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah. “Following the global market stagnation observed in 2009, this year we have so far witnessed strong demand and have welcomed many new guests looking to experience a calming, spiritual stay in the Holy City.”

Boujlid expects elevated occupancy rates when the Umrah season commences at the end of February, paving the way for solid demand during the rest of the year.

To meet this demand, Boujlid noted that another 129 rooms have been added to bring the hotel’s room capacity to 412 high-end rooms.

“We’re going to reach our full room capacity of 800 rooms by August, just in time for the holy month of Ramadan. Two new restaurants, an executive lounge and a state-of-the-art business centre are in the works to complete our unique customer experience proposition,” he continued.

Boujlid added that the Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah’s services were devised specifically to cater for the distinctive needs of worshipers looking for a peaceful and spiritual experience. “It is our mission to ensure that our guests truly live an exceptional pilgrimage given our specialised services, unique amenities and the magnificent views of the Haram Court facing the King Abdul Aziz Gate.”

The Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah, part of the prestigious Abraj Al Bait complex, was inaugurated in November 2009.