The Hajj season has just concluded, and with it, Umrah travel is
permissible once more. Since the Saudi government began allowing tourist
visa holders to perform Umrah, a new trend has emerged: DIY Umrah.
Traditionally, pilgrims relied on travel agents to organise their
Umrah, opting for packaged tours that offered convenience. However, with
the surge in hotel rates in Makkah and Madinah, an increasing number of
individuals are choosing the DIY approach to control expenditures.
Booking flights and accommodations independently offer cost savings and
flexibility in itineraries.
"The introduction of the tourist visa certainly has been a
game-changer. We see a significant number of travellers opting for DIY
Umrah due to the flexibility it offers. This has also pushed travel
companies to innovate and cater to a broader range of traveller
preferences,” noted Anwar Fakhri, a freelance mutawwif (Umrah/Hajj guide).
While DIY Umrah offers attractive benefits, challenges remain.
Managing unforeseen circumstances like flight disruptions,
transportation issues, or medical emergencies can be daunting.
"Travel agents specialising in Umrah can significantly mitigate these
risks,” offered Captain Zulkarnaen bin Kamis of TourEast Travel &
Tours. “They provide valuable insights and assistance for unexpected
situations, ensuring a smooth and stress-free Umrah experience."
This shift to the do-it-yourself model fused with technology has the
potential to revolutionise Umrah travel. By leveraging on advancements
such as AI, companies can provide hybrid models that combine the DIY
travel with essential support services. Imagine packages with access to
virtual mutawwifs for step-by-step guidance during rituals or
curated cultural experiences, all while allowing pilgrims to plan their
own itineraries. Such hybrid offerings could provide the best of both
worlds, ensuring a hassle-free experience while maintaining a personal
touch.
Agility and adaptability will be critical to remain relevant in the
face of such disruption. At Safar Trips, personalisation is key to
staying at the top of their game. This boutique Umrah company offers
customisable packages, including designing family-friendly experiences.
“We also cater to those with medical needs – something not all agencies
can offer as we believe in being inclusive,” said its co-founder, Rizal
Mohamad.
Qalby Ilm Tours has also responded to this shift by tailoring their
offerings accordingly. “Our upcoming Umrah platform will serve as a
one-stop shop,” shared Ain Nadia Yusoff. “Users can book hotels, arrange
mutawwifs, secure transportation, plan ziyarah (excursions), and even access auxiliary services like food delivery and wheelchair assistance.”
As the landscape of Umrah travel evolves, the industry needs to adapt
to streamline the process and provide enriching experiences that
resonate with today's DIY pilgrims. The opportunities are vast, but the
question remains: Is the industry ready to embrace this new era of Umrah
travel?