(AFP / Photo / Mahmud Hams)
According to a report issued by the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA), the deal signed with the Saudi Arabian Al-Tawafa institution for Hajj transportation during the past season saved 30 million Saudi Riyals for its members. The deal included both flights and land transportation.
The report detailed how the association acquired the best possible rates through their negotiations with Al-Tawafa. This deal was the first of its kind regarding unification of prices, and an agreement has been reached that this policy will continue to be used for any future contracts.
Nasser Turk, the vice president of ETAA, said that the deal is considered the best possible solution and gives the association leverage in the negotiations of prices. He added that other countries within the region have preceded Egypt in obtaining group deals and benefits regarding prices and services offered. According to Turk, the number of companies participating in the deal during the past Hajj season was 178 higher than the season before, bringing the total to 2027 companies.
The participating companies provided 20% of all issued visas, which the report considers a solid ground for gaining the right to regulate all visas issued to Egyptians at a total of 79,123 visas.
He added that the initial increase in prices of Hajj packages was due to the increase in the prices of fuel and US dollar exchange rate.
Translated from AlBorsa Newspaper.
