MADINAH — Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that work is under way to raise the capacity of the hospitality sector in Makkah and Madinah to meet the growing number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors. “The Ministry would continue working with investors to develop the hospitality services and raise their quality,” the minister said during his meeting with businessmen and operators of the hospitality sector in the Madinah city. Al-Khateeb reached here as part of reviewing the readiness of hospitality facilities and the quality of services to be provided to pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah during the holy month of Ramadan. He noted that the Ministry prioritizes a balance between raising the quality of the hospitality sector and empowering the private sector through clear legislation and financing solutions. He pointed out that plans have been worked out to raise the capacity, including the completion of renovation and operation of 9,000 hotel rooms for the hospitality sector in the city before the month of Ramadan. On the sidelines of his inspection tour, Al-Khateeb visited Al-Onwan Hotel in Makkah to inspect the preparations for its opening during the month of Ramadan and its readiness to receive the Hajj pilgrims.