U.S. hajj operators diversify into Muslim heritage tours as quotas drive up competition
Photo: One of Dar El Salam's umrah packages in 2015 included a visit to Jerusalem / Courtesy Dar El Salam Islamic World Travel
During the 2012 hajj season, the New York City-based Dar El Salam Travel Company had an emergency. Its clients had completed their pilgrimage and were ready to return home when Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast of the United States. All flights were cancelled and the group was stranded in Saudi Arabia.
Dar El Salam managers moved swiftly to provide accommodation at the company's expense until flights were restored. "It was the right thing to do," said Azhar Zaidi, a manager at Dar El Salam.
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Rob L. Wagner