Saudi Arabia Hosts Record 18.5 Million Pilgrims in 2024 as Hospitality Surge Continues

Saudi Arabia Hosts Record 18.5 Million Pilgrims in 2024 as Hospitality Surge Continues


The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that 18.5 million individuals completed the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah in 2024. This achievement was facilitated by enhancements such as expanding lodging options, modernizing airports, refining transport systems, and implementing tech-driven services.


The efficient management of these pilgrim periods, commended by global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the robust functioning of the tourism industry.


The Ministry of Tourism reports that the hotel sector in Mecca expanded by 80% in 2024, with over 1,000 authorized hotels and apartment complexes. By year-end 2024, Mecca had surpassed 1,150 hotels and provided 260,000 rooms, whereas Medina ended up with 347 hotels along with 1,500 furnished apartments.


This expansion coincides with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to elevate the pilgrimage experience. Initiated in 2016, the “Doyof Al Rahman” initiative focuses on upgrading facilities and enhancing services for those undertaking Hajj and Umrah.

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Minority Caucus Condemns Lynching of Edo Travelers bezpoصند

The opposition group within the House of Representatives has strongly criticized the arbitrary murders of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State, and urged the appropriate government bodies to secure justice for those who were killed.

The individuals, en route from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Eid-el-Fitr festivities, were wrongly identified as kidnappers because of the conventional hunting equipment they possessed and were consequently attacked by an angry mob.

In a joint statement signed by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda on behalf of the caucus on Monday, the legislators stated, “We were struck with profound shock and sorrow upon learning about the brutal killing of approximately 16 Nigerians, mostly Northerners, at the hands of a group of lawless anarchists in Edo State over the past few days.”

We view these merciless murders of unarmed Nigerian citizens occurring anywhere within the nation at the hands of unruly groups as deeply condemnable. If left unchecked by the appropriate federal authorities, such incidents might jeopardize the nation’s stability and cohesion.

Therefore, we, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, strongly denounce this brutal assault on the northerners, resulting in their horrific fatalities.

We urge all Nigerians to refrain from engaging in such violent assaults against one another and instead consistently seek assistance from legal authorities when they encounter any issues of importance.

“We are a country governed by the rule of law, and our law enforcement agencies are consistently ready to collaborate with all Nigerians to address their worries,” the statement said.

In light of the serious event that has already stirred strong emotions across various regions of the nation, the legislators urged Tinubu to instruct the security forces to probe this issue and ensure that everyone implicated in the murders faces justice, thereby preventing such occurrences from happening again.

Furthermore, appropriate reimbursement must be provided to the impacted households.

We urge all Nigerians to stay calm, maintain peace, and adhere to the rule of law, allowing both federal and state governments to investigate this issue thoroughly for the sake of justice.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and reassure both them and all Nigerians that we, the members of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, will stay perpetually watchful until justice is served,” the statement concluded.

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Tokyo Museum Explorer Pass: Grutto 2025 Edition

Tokyo Museum Explorer Pass: Grutto 2025 Edition

Tokyo boasts an array of remarkable museums, ranging from art galleries and historical exhibitions to science centers and traditional gardens. However, touring these places one by one can become quite costly. This is where the
Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2025
offers an affordable and hassle-free method to discover more than 100 cultural sites in Tokyo and its surroundings for just a portion of the usual cost.

• What does the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass entail?

• How to Maximize Your Use of the Grutto Pass

• How to Purchase the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass

• Experience Roppongi Using the Grutto Pass: An Recommended Route

• Map Out Your Cultural Exploration in Tokyo

What does the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass entail?

The Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2025 serves as both a digital and physical entry pass, providing admission to 102 venues including museums, zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens, and historical sites throughout Tokyo and nearby regions.

For just

¥2,500

, you get

a two-month validity period

Starting from the initial usage until March 31, 2026, this allows you to discover Tokyo’s deep cultural legacy at your leisure.

Offering complimentary admission or reduced prices at

over 100 locations

It offers an excellent opportunity for tourists looking to explore the art and history of Tokyo without breaking the bank. This pass is especially beneficial for those staying longer term, allowing them to distribute their museum visits over a period of two months. By planning ahead and visiting nearby attractions on the same day, you can significantly reduce costs while fully immersing yourself in the rich cultural offerings.

Museums Newly Added for 2025

Every year, the Grutto Pass roster gets updated with thrilling new entries. In the 2025 version, they’ve added some fascinating elements.



JCII Camera Museum:

Discover the journey of photography in Japan, spanning from vintage camera technology to contemporary digital advancements.



Minato City Historical Museum:

Discover the history of Tokyo’s Minato Ward via historical relics and interactive multimedia displays.



Shitamachi Museum:

The museum brings back to life the everyday scenes from Tokyo’s historic district.



Yokohama City Museum of Urban History

Find out how Yokohama evolved from a modest fishing community into one of Japan’s key port cities.



Yokohama Museum of Eurasian Cultures:

The museum showcases the cultural interactions among Japan, China, and Europe.

How to Maximize Your Use of the Grutter Pass

If you’re planning to visit just one or two museums, purchasing the Grutto Pass might not make sense financially. However, for enthusiasts of museums, history, and cultural experiences, this pass proves to be quite economical. It provides entry into many of Tokyo’s top galleries and exhibitions related to art, history, and natural sciences at a significantly reduced rate compared to individual tickets.

This pass is particularly beneficial for long-term visitors and residents, as they have up to two months to spread out their visits. However, it also offers excellent savings for tourists with shorter stays, especially if they intend to explore numerous museums and cultural landmarks within a brief timeframe. With some thoughtful trip planning, one can greatly enhance the value of this pass.

In spite of this, some adaptability is essential. The exhibits might vary, and specific sites necessitate bookings for particular shows, making it wise to review museum websites beforehand. Additionally, several places operate during restricted hours or undergo occasional shutdowns, which could be disappointing when your schedule is tight. Furthermore, should you be touring with relatives or companions, remember that the pass is intended solely for personal use and cannot be divided among others.

For those ready to put in some effort to plan ahead, the Grutto Pass provides a budget-friendly and hassle-free method to discover Tokyo’s extensive cultural offerings, suitable for stays ranging from a brief couple of days to several months.


Benefits of the Grutt Pass



Great Value:

For merely ¥2,500, the pass quickly covers its cost with just a couple of museum visits.



Extended Validity:

Effective for two months after initial use, so you can take your time without feeling rushed.



Access to 100+ Locations:

Entrance for free or reduced prices at museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and historic locations.



Flexible Purchase Options:

Available as an electronic ticket or a physical card.



Discover at Your Leisure:

There’s no rush to fit all your visits into one day; take it easy and savor Tokyo’s cultural experience without stress.

How to Purchase the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass

Obtaining the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2025 is straightforward, as you can choose between an electronic ticket or a physical card. For immediate access, the e-ticket is ideal; alternatively, the physical pass can be obtained from the counters of collaborating venues (*1) and various spots throughout Tokyo.


E-Ticket (Online Purchase)

• Buy online using your computer or mobile device.

• Once purchased, a QR code will be delivered through an email.

· The electronic ticket is prepared for immediate usage, rendering it the quickest choice.


Physical Pass (On-Site Purchase)

If you prefer a physical card, you can purchase it at the counters of participating facilities (*1) and designated locations listed below:



Tokyo Tourist Information Center

(Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Ground Floor)



Asakusa Cultural Tourism Visitor Information Center

(near Kaminarimon)



Tokyo City i

(KITTE, near Tokyo Station)



TIC TOKYO

(Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station)



LIBRO Shiodome SIO-SITE

(Bookstore)



Tokyo Central City Visitor Information Center

(KYOBASHI EDOGRAND)

(*1) Grutto Pass Cards cannot be purchased at the Japan Olympic Museum.


Convenience Store Voucher Purchase

• You can purchase a voucher at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart stores.

・The voucher

needs to be swapped for a physical pass

At each participating location prior to usage

Experience Roppongi Using the Grutto Pass: An Recommended Route

Roppongi stands out due to its blend of art, culture, and nightlife. Using the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass, you can delve into some of the region’s top museums while soaking up the lively but sophisticated ambiance of the neighborhood. Although not every museum featured here is located precisely within Roppongi itself, many are situated close by in areas like Toranomon and Kamiyacho—easily accessible via a brief trip on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line—which makes it simple to see everything in just one day.

Here’s a well-structured schedule for spending a day visiting museums in and around Roppongi:

In the morning: Sen-oku Hakukokkan Museum in Tokyo

Begin your day at Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum in Tokyo. This museum showcases an extensive array of artworks spanning various disciplines such as Japanese paintings, Western art, contemporary ceramics, tea ceremony tools, and Noh theater masks and attire. It provides valuable insights into traditional methods handed down over time.

Google Maps

Noon: Okura Museum of Art

Next, visit the Okura Museum of Art, Japan’s oldest existing private museum, founded in 1917 by businessman Okura Kihachiro. The museum’s collection focuses on classical East Asian art, featuring Buddhist statues, ancient Chinese bronze ware, Edo-period craftworks, and samurai armor. Some of its standout pieces include a Heian-period Samantabhadra statue and a rare Muromachi-era calligraphy scroll.

Google Maps

In the afternoon: Visit the Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum

End your cultural tour at the Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum, which focuses mainly on contemporary Japanese ceramics. The museum, founded by collector Kikuchi Tomo, features exhibitions that shed light on contemporary ceramists, including those who have passed away and left an important mark in the Japanese contemporary ceramic world. Enjoy works of art in an exhibition space that has been designed specifically for visitors to observe ceramics.

Google Maps

Nevertheless, not every site holds equal interest or value for everybody, making them less essential to see. The allure of the Grutto Pass is found in the opportunity to savor the distinctive appeal of each location at your leisure. Likewise, when exploring other regions, conducting prior research about the attractions you wish to visit along with those nearby allows for unexpected finds and further exploration of more sites.

Map Out Your Cultural Exploration in Tokyo

Before your visit, make sure to review the websites of each museum for the latest information on exhibitions, operating hours, and special events.

Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2025

, you’ll gain access to an accessible and fulfilling experience in Tokyo, Japan.

No matter if you’re a visitor discovering Tokyo or a resident seeking an enjoyable way to spend your weekends, make sure to bring your

Grutto Pass

And begin exploring Tokyo’s captivating sights right away!

For more details, visit
The official website for the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass
Or ask at any of our participating locations.

Belgium Airport Strike Cripples Flights: Moroccan Authorities Warn Travelers


As Belgium faces significant disruption due to a national strike organized by its two main labor unions—the Christian Trade Union Confederation (CSC) and the General Federation of Belgian Labour (FGTB)—air travel within the nation has been heavily affected. Consequently, Morocco’s National Airports Authority has advised passengers traveling to and from Belgium to verify their flight statuses prior to departing for the airport.


The strike impacting both Brussels and Charleroi airports is in opposition to governmental changes, notably the intended removal of early retirement benefits for staff working in security, military roles, and at airports. This action has resulted in the cancelation of all outbound flights from Brussels Airport and could affect inbound ones as well. Meanwhile, activities at Charleroi Airport are anticipated to face significant disruptions, potentially interfering with more than 800 flight schedules.


Legal specialists agree that airlines are obligated to present alternate flights or issue refunds; however, they are not compelled to supply extra compensation. There’s potential for the strike to intensify, as labor unions have scheduled additional demonstrations for May.

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Mwananchi Credit Overhauls Operations to Tackle Non-Performing Loan Crisis


An increase in bad debts has led Mwananchi Credit, an immediate lender, to revise its operations by discontinuing Checkoff loan distributions.

According to a memo obtained by The Star, the decision was made following several discussions, starting with a meeting on February 25th.

Nevertheless, the firm has swiftly refuted allegations that it has dismissed employees from its check-off loan division, maintaining that it is merely optimizing processes to enhance customer service.


The human resources manager at Mwananchi Credit, Collins Okello, stated that everyone who was employed in the department has been requested to resubmit their applications for their positions. Job interviews are scheduled to begin on Tuesday.


“Even with extensive efforts to improve the portfolio and tighten financial responsibility, the product has kept falling short. Multiple team leaders have failed to reach their set goals, leading to considerable monetary losses,” stated Okello.


The restructuring comes after a series of high-level discussions, during which key concerns about loan collections, non-performing loans, and commission structures were raised.


Even with attempts to boost financial responsibility and increase revenue collection, the checkoff loan item kept performing poorly, leading to significant monetary losses for the business.


The firm has recognized the efforts of staff members from the checkoff loan division and has guaranteed their continued support throughout this transitional phase.


This choice underscores an increasing issue across the finance industry, with non-performing loans and ineffective collection methods compelling firms to reassess their lending policies.


This action might indicate a larger trend within the sector, where additional companies could follow to reduce financial hazards and boost earnings.


As part of ongoing restructuring initiatives, Mwananchi must now focus on relocating impacted staff members while also guaranteeing adherence to fiscal responsibility standards.


This choice will probably influence the firm’s upcoming fiscal approach as it aims to reinforce its corporate structure.


The company is most recognized for its logbook loans, enabling vehicle owners to utilize their logbooks as security in order to obtain rapid funding.


Mwananchi has been providing the finest loan options to customers across the nation.


It includes salary deduction loans, which are commonly utilized by public sector workers like educators, law enforcement personnel, and various civil service members.

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