Hotel demand in Makkah during the final 10 days of Ramadan, traditionally the busiest period of the year, has softened this season as international pilgrims cancel bookings due to regional tensions impact on the aviation industry, causing lower prices as more flights get cancelled or rerouted, or as passengers prefer to delay their plans.
The shift has opened opportunities for Saudi citizens and residents as well as visitors from non effected areas and routes, who can now secure rooms near the Grand Mosque at prices rarely seen during Ramadan’s final nights.
Hotels that normally sell out months in advance are now accepting last-minute reservations.
With fewer international pilgrims arriving, some properties have lowered prices, creating unexpected savings for locals and allowing them to experience the holy nights near the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site.
Makkah resident Kamel Ibrahim told Arab News that domestic pilgrims are benefiting from the shift.
“Those seeking hotel rooms in the central area of Makkah and Madinah should contact hotels directly rather than booking through applications,” he said.
“Some properties are offering discounts of up to 50 percent compared with typical Ramadan prices because thousands of reservations from abroad have been canceled.”
Arab News tested this by checking prices on the travel platform Wego. A one-night stay at a hotel in Makkah was listed at SR1,138 (about $303).
When the hotel was contacted directly, the same room was offered for SR1,032 (about $275).
The difference highlights how travelers already in the Kingdom can make savings by booking directly rather than through international platforms. More
By Rahaf Jambi https://www.arabnews.com/
