Saudi Arabia Reopens Omra Pilgrimage to Vaccinated Foreigners, Boosting Travel Sector

Travel agencies have less than a month to schedule the small pilgrimage. "The too tight timing makes the task even more difficult for us, as we have to book tickets for the next twenty days," explains Mustapha Aouzir, owner of a travel agency and member of the National Association of Travel Agencies of Morocco, to SNRT News. A major handicap for travel agencies. "We do not expect a rush similar to those preceding the pandemic, but we take it well, because it is a glimmer of hope after so many disappointments. Several rumors are circulating about the duration of the Omra which must not exceed 20 days, but we have received nothing official in this regard," indicates the owner of a travel agency.

He said he has been able to register so far only about 80 clients, compared to 600 in 2017 during the same period. An enormous gap that does not, however, dampen his morale. "Certainly the profit is very modest compared to previous years, but we welcome it with open arms, because it was unexpected," he says. Another major handicap: airline ticket prices are slightly higher than usual. According to the explanations of this travel agency owner, the airlines offered several dates of long and short durations (from March 26 with a return beyond April 15 and from April 16 to May 10), but with the spread of the virus, this is no longer the case. "Royal Air Maroc (RAM) for example, offers only two short-term dates. With the pandemic, exceeding the visa validity period will be prohibited and is even subject to a heavy fine," he adds.

It will therefore be difficult for travel agencies to have the desired number of clients. "We are aware that things must take time before they settle down. We will not have the desired number of clients, but it is a reality imposed by the pandemic that we must accept," resigns Mustapha Aouzir. Travel agencies can only be straightened out after two or three years of hard work, at a minimum.