Minister of Tourism: The turnout reflects tourism companies' success in implementing last Hajj season's programs with high efficiency
In light of the controls, rules and procedures regulating the 1447 AH-2026 tourist Hajj season, approved by Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and following the closing of applications for this year's tourist Hajj lottery on October 30, the lottery saw an unprecedented turnout of citizens wishing to perform Hajj through tourism companies, exceeding 114,000 citizens.
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, affirmed that the strong turnout this season reflects the success of tourism companies in implementing last Hajj season's programs with high efficiency, as well as their commitment this year to offering competitive prices in light of the approved controls, in addition to many companies announcing additional services to raise the level of comfort and luxury for pilgrims, which has strengthened citizens' confidence in the tourist Hajj system and in the quality and integration of the services provided by tourism companies.
For her part, Samia Samy, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Companies Affairs and Head of the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah, stated that the number of citizens applying through tourism companies exceeded 114,000 this year, noting the ministry's keenness to maintain a diverse range of tourist Hajj programs to meet the needs of different segments of citizens (five-star, economy, overland), providing fair opportunities commensurate with the financial means of those wishing to perform the pilgrimage.
She added that, in line with the directives of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and in coordination with the relevant authorities, Hajj program prices this season have been reduced by between EGP 5,000 and EGP 20,000 compared with last season.
She affirmed that this year's controls regulating tourist Hajj took the interests of citizens into account and helped create healthy competition among tourism companies, guaranteeing the companies' rights, reflecting positively on the quality of services provided and striking a balance between price and service level, stressing that there will be no leniency with any company that violates the controls or manipulates applicants' rights.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is forming field committees from the Central Administration of Tourism Companies to monitor companies' adherence to the credibility of the programs announced before applications open, ensure the quality of accommodation, transport and services in the holy lands, and monitor the implementation of programs in line with approved standards.
The results of this year's tourist Hajj lottery are scheduled to be announced tomorrow, November 4, and will be published on the Unified Egyptian Hajj Portal https://www.hij.moi.gov.eg, with applicants able to check them using their national ID number.
