From 16 to 19 of this month, the First International Convention of Hajj and Umrah Services Market will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah, KSA.

To be held under the patronage of HRH Prince Abdulmajeed Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Makkah region, and supported by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the convention promises to be a unique rendezvous of international and local Hajj and Umrah service providers and their activities under one roof. Osama A. Elkhereiji, president of Anedtrain, organiser of the Hajj & Umrah event, spoke to TTN about the objectives of the convention. Excerpts from an interview:
What has brought a need for a Hajj and Umrah convention?
This is a unique industry and has a lot of potential for development and growth in today’s market. More so as there is an increasing demand for additional and better services. The convention aims to bring together people in the industry on one platform and will help create an interaction for local and international businesses. It will improve the quality and simplify business flow of all service providers.

Will it be an annual event?
Yes.

What kind of visitor turnout are you expecting?
The convention is business-to-business and we are expecting more than 5,000 visitors.
 
What is available for the visitors andparticipants?
We are trying to send across a message on the importance of Hajj and showcase how to upgrade the standards, exchange knowledge from the experienced sellers and information from the authorities. It will be an interactive approach for better performance. There will be visitors from 22 countries including Pakistan, Indonesia and UK.

Any particular reason why Jeddah has been chosen as the host venue?
Simply because KSA is one of the main Hajj and Umrah service providers. Having the convention here will help people get more out of their meetings since there is a better opportunity for visitors to get to know their buyers/suppliers and from where they operate.