Occupancy rates of hotels and residential units in the central Holy Haram are fast rising with the start this week of the summer break for schools and colleges. Owaid Al-Fahmi, a hotel owner, told Al-Madina Arabic daily that the rates have shot up by 25 percent since the summer holiday started. Moreover, work on the northern expansion of the Holy Mosque has contributed to rising demand for hotels in Al-Masfalah, Ibrahim Al-Khalil, Al-Mesyal and Ajyad streets. Salem Al-Mutrafi, a hotel owner, reported 90% occupancy in areas close to the Holy Mosque. Depending on location and furnishing, daily room rates range between SR450 to SR950. Suites cost between SR1,200 to SR2,950 in a four-star hotel and as much as SR10,000 per day in a 5-star hotel. Restaurant owner Mohammad Mulla said sales have gone up by 70 percent. Saudi families commonly perform Umrah and spend time in Holy Mosque prior to starting their summer holidays. This is also the time of the year when large numbers of Umrah vistors come from overseas. The Makkah hotel and residential unit sector is expected to rake in up to SR300 million over the next two months, with hotels taking 60 percent of the business. Hoteliers expect their rates to peak by the start of the holy month of Ramadan. __
