Pakistan’s leading online ticketing platform, Bookme, is making a splash in Saudi Arabia with two strategic agreements. This expansion leverages Bookme’s experience in online booking to revolutionize travel for customers in both countries.
Bookme secured its first win by being selected as the official and exclusive online travel agency (OTA) partner for Pakistan by the Saudi Tourism Ministry during the Arabian Travel Market Expo 2024. This partnership focuses on digitizing travel between the two nations, offering a seamless booking experience for travelers. The Saudi Tourism Authority highlighted Bookme’s extensive user base and expertise in digital travel booking as key assets in promoting Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination beyond religious travel.
A key benefit of this partnership is the simplified booking process for Umrah pilgrimages and Visit visas. Starting July 1st, Pakistani travelers can book flights, accommodation, and local transportation within Saudi Arabia through the Bookme app or website. The platform even offers a convenient two-day grace period for settling payments.
Bookme plans to launch online Umrah visa applications for Saudi Arabia within the next few months. Pakistani pilgrims will only need a passport picture and a selfie to apply, with visa fees lower than what traditional travel agents typically charge. Standard embassy rates will still apply. Tourist visas with biometric verification are expected to be rolled out later.
Bookme’s expansion goes beyond the partnership with the Saudi Tourism Ministry. The company signed an agreement with Mrsool, a prominent Saudi delivery platform with over 8 million customers. This collaboration grants Pakistani travelers access to Mrsool’s vast array of on-demand services, including food and beverage delivery, groceries, pharmaceuticals, and even butler services. The signing ceremony, held at the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh, was a significant event attended by key figures from both companies.
These strategic maneuvers position Bookme to significantly simplify Umrah booking and travel experiences for Pakistani pilgrims, while also opening doors for tourism in Saudi Arabia.
