In response to the H1N1 swine flu virus, a string of governments have placed restrictions on citizens making the pilgrimage to the holy places in Saudi Arabia, a trek traditionally made by many Muslims during Ramadan.

Meanwhile, financial worries forced many families to cut back on their holiday spending.  In the Saudi cities of Mecca and Medina, which normally do a brisk trade from pilgrims during Ramadan, businesses are bracing for their worst holy month in years.

Trying to tempt travelers, tour companies have slashed the price for package tours from Riyadh to Mecca by 25 percent, the English language Saudi Gazette reported.

In neighbouring Medina, officials said they expected business to be down by 70 percent.

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