BAHRAIN’S leading pilgrim tour operators have welcomed the latest coronavirus precautionary protocols adopted by Haj and Umrah authorities, but acknowledged they would have a negative impact on the business.
Al Kadhem Transport Tourist Travels partner Mahmood Al Kadhem was speaking to the GDN about Saudi Arabia’s Haj and Umrah Ministry announcing that all pilgrims must submit a negative reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test report taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.
Mr Al Kadhem
From February 9, pilgrims must show proof of vaccination using the Tawakkalna (Saudi Covid-19 app) to enter the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.
They should also book an Umrah or prayer slot using the app to be able to perform prayers or worship due to strict health and safety protocols.
“The regulation is the need of the hour, and it is definitely needed at a time when cases are on the rise,” said Mr Al Kadhem, the owner of the oldest religious tour operating company.
“This is good, especially given the large crowds expected in Mecca and Madina during the pilgrim seasons – public health is the top priority.
“However, business will suffer more; it’s a difficult time for religious tour operators, the more restrictions we see, the worse the impact will be.
“But we don’t have a choice, and we hope and pray that things improve quickly.”
Despite the fact the month (Rajab) being special for pilgrimage, the tour operator has already seen a drop in business of 60-65 per cent.
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar also known as the Month of Allah – a time when people take breaks from any violent activities among each other.
“The three seasons in a year when we see a surge of pilgrims are the last 10 days of Ramadan, the Rajab month, and the Haj season,” said Mr Al Kadhem.
“But since last year, people are cautious and not travelling as they did in the past.
“Compared to pre-Covid times bookings have gone down by 60-65pc, despite the special religious months.”
He noted that the last time which saw “some reasonable bookings” was in December last year, during the National Day holidays.
“But bookings dropped again with Omicron.
“In 2020 we plied around 150 buses in half capacity of 25 people as per Covid-19 protocol compared to the full capacity tours during pre-Covid times – now it is around three to four buses.”
He added that the operators were facilitating passengers with PCR tests by co-ordinating with private hospitals.
Tawakkalna is linked with Bahrain’s BeAware app, which Mr Al Kadhem said was very helpful. “This helps people keep track of their eligibility to enter Mecca and Madina.
“We are also helping pilgrims to get their PCR tests and results uploaded on BeAware.”
Al Mawasem for Haj and Umrah owner Jassim Abul also expressed similar views, adding that he was yet to register any bookings this month.
“The impact from Covid-19 on the sector has been massive,” he said.
About the RT-PCR test required for pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia, he said it was about securing the society from infection.
“We are yet to register any bookings as we are still awaiting details from the governments concerned on how to go about the new protocol.”
Mr Abul was among the businesses which recorded 100pc losses and operations during the early days of the pandemic in 2020. There are that around 60 religious tour operators across Bahrain.Travel and tour businesses are now anchoring hopes in the upcoming seasons during Ramadan in April and the Haj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, in July.
raji@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))