No Accommodation Crisis In Makkah, Says MCCI

The Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has denied rumors about an artificial accommodation crisis created by tourism service providers in the holy city, Saudi Gazette reported.

The MCCI said Umrah companies have not been harmed by the high occupancy rates in accommodation facilities in the city since the beginning of the summer vacation. Though some of the hotels overlooking the Grand Mosque have recorded maximum occupancy rates, accommodation is still available in the vicinity of the Holy Haram in the central area of the city.

Ziyad Farsi, Deputy Chairman of MCCI and Spokesman of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah, said the services provided by the Umrah services companies and establishments are competitive. He said occupancy in the hotels and furnished apartments would rise considerably in the coming period with the inflow of more Umrah pilgrims from within the Kingdom and abroad.

Farsi pointed out that Al-Azizia and Al-Shisha areas are the first choice for accommodation of Umrah pilgrims coming from the Gulf countries. He said Umrah pilgrims from Egypt, Pakistan and the rest of the Arab and Muslim countries would be distributed in Jarwal and Misfalah districts.

Farsi pointed out that Umrah pilgrims from within the Kingdom, particularly Saudi nationals, prefer to stay in Mahbas Al-Jinn, Ajyad and the central area in general. This will lead to a rise in rents for accommodation in those areas during the peak days.