How to Profit from Pilgrim Travel—Without Owning a Hotel

Rooms & Rewards: The Modern Umrahpreneur’s Guide

When I first thought about writing a book on the hospitality business in Makkah or Madinah, my mind went straight to hotel management. I imagined guides about running a hotel near the holy cities—rooms, capital, staffing, the works. But then I paused and asked myself: 

Would any of my friends really buy a hotel? Would their children want to run one?

The answer, honestly, was “probably not.” Most of us don’t have millions in capital or the desire to handle full-scale hotel operations.

But my experience working at the bank opened my eyes to something important. Years back, I handled loan applications for small and medium hotels, and I realized just how attainable the business could be—the costs, the operations, and the resources were all within reach for many people. Later, I saw how small travel agencies could succeed simply by acting as agents, reselling hotel rooms both locally and overseas—without needing to own any property themselves.

That realization was a turning point. The biggest opportunities in the Makkah and Madinah travel scene aren’t just for hotel owners—they’re for connectors. People who can bridge the gap between travelers and accommodation, between spiritual need and hospitality solutions. 

Arinara Homestay
Your Gateway to IOI City Mall and Putrajaya

🌍 The New Pilgrim Travel Opportunity

Millions of Muslims travel every year for Umrah, Ziyarah, or spiritual tourism—far beyond the quota-limited Hajj season. These journeys are deeply personal and often repeated throughout a lifetime. But here’s the secret: not everyone wants an expensive, package-deal experience from a big operator, nor do they want the uncertainty of low-quality online bookings.

There’s a massive, underserved gap in the market for trusted-but-affordable accommodation—especially in the mid-range. Pilgrims want safety, convenience, and a business that understands their values.

🌐 Who Can Join This Opportunity?

The best part? This business model doesn’t require you to own property, employ dozens of staff, or even live in Saudi Arabia. It’s perfect for:

• 🧕🏽 Individuals with minimal capital—start small and grow at your own pace.
• 🧳 Freelancers looking for halal side income.
• 🌍 Travel agents who want to expand their digital reach.
• 🕌 Community organizers serving their local jemaah.
• 🧠 Tech-savvy marketers ready to use social media for something meaningful.

With the right strategy, you can operate from anywhere—helping pilgrims heading to Makkah and Madinah find accommodation, transportation, guides, and support.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Book

Rooms & Rewards: Profiting from Pilgrim Travel Without Owning a Hotel distills my years of experience in banking, business analysis, and the travel sector. Inside, you’ll discover:

• How to secure hotel rooms without owning any property.
• How to build attractive, affordable packages for Umrah and Ziyarah.
• Step-by-step guides to launching your business or side hustle from home.
• The smartest tools, platforms, and partnerships for rapid, ethical growth.
• How to market to your local or global Muslim audience—ethically.
• And most importantly: how to build a business that is profitable, ethical, and purpose-driven.

Because this is about more than just profit. It’s about barakah—helping others fulfill a spiritual dream while building a meaningful livelihood for yourself.

Special Note for Facebook Group Leaders and DIY Umrah Communities:
If you manage or belong to a DIY Umrah or travel-focused Facebook group, this book is a powerful resource for you. Learn how to leverage your group’s community, trust, and shared knowledge to offer trusted accommodation and services—creating new income streams while serving your members better. Rooms & Rewards includes practical steps for group admins and digital community leaders who want to become Umrahpreneurs, right from their own online platforms.

Now available!
Rooms & Rewards: Profiting from Pilgrim Travel Without Owning a Hotel is now published and ready for you on Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books. Start your Umrahpreneur journey today!

📈 Step into a Profitable, Ethical, Purpose-Driven Role

Pilgrim travel is evolving. The opportunities are no longer reserved for those with deep pockets or hotel chains. If you can secure and resell rooms, build custom packages, or facilitate group bookings, you can fill a real gap in the market—serving people when and how they need it most.

Are you ready to join a new wave of Umrahpreneurs?
Your journey starts here.