Makarem Hotels Participates At The World Travel Market 2020

Makarem Hotels, a subsidiary of the leading Saudi hospitality brand Dur Hospitality and hotel group catering specifically to religious tourists and pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia’s holy cities, is participating at the World Travel Market virtual event held from 9th - 11th of November 2020.

Makarem’s participation comes under the umbrella of The Saudi Tourism Authority and seeks to exchange vital knowledge and best practices with global industry leaders regarding the sector’s revival following a period of recession due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Makarem also aspires to utilize the event to shed light on its pioneering strategies devised in response to the pandemic.

Mr. Hassan Ahadab, President of Hotel Operations at Dur Hospitality, expressed Makarem’s eagerness to participate in the event and deliberate with global industry leaders on challenges and opportunities faced by the sector under the new norm. “We look forward to cooperating with international partners and counterparts on how to drive the global tourism sector forward and develop upgraded tourism experiences that safeguard the health and wellbeing of travelers while providing outstanding and memorable offerings.”

He added: “The hospitality industry is a sure player within the tourism industry, and we at Dur realized the significance of adopting a creative and flexible approach at the onset of the crisis. Moreover, Makarem plays an especially important role within Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism scene, making up a major chunk of the Kingdom’s overall tourism sector. Its unique business model, convenient hotel locations, and outstanding services have positioned it as the leading hotel choice for religious tourists in the Kingdom, and underscored its eminence for the sector’s recovery over the coming phase.” 

In preparation for welcoming back pilgrims, Makarem has expanded its presence in the holy cities following an agreement between Dur and Al Manakha Development Holding Company to add 1365 rooms and tripling Makarem’s portfolio. Additionally, to entice pilgrims' return, Makarem has recently launched the ‘Makkah Awaits’ campaign. It illustrates the pilgrimage journey, represents the diversity of pilgrims, and sheds light on Makarem’s acclaimed and one-of-a-kind hospitality offerings, including a spiritual concierge, pilgrimage guidance, shuttles to and from the holy mosque, breakfast packages, and more.

Moreover, Dur, and Makarem in particular, have implemented a series of innovative schemes across their portfolio of hotels to combat the repercussions of the novel coronavirus pandemic, most notably the diligent “Safe Stay” program developed in partnership with specialized international consultancies, including Ecolab, Lobster Ink, and Diversey, to embrace the highest hygiene and prevention standards across its facilities.

Organized this year under the theme “Recover. Rebuild. Innovate”, the World Travel Market focused on restoring and developing business connections, growing networks, enhancing brands, and tackling key issues faced by the industry through virtual live sessions and forums, speed networking sessions, one-to-one meetings, and virtual networking opportunities.