Madinah’s tourism sector has witnessed significant growth in visitor numbers over the past three years, receiving more than 18 million visitors in 2024, compared with 14.1 million in 2023 and 8.2 million in 2022.
According to a recent report by the Madinah Chamber, activities related to accommodation, travel agencies and tour operations recorded an 18.7 percent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Tourism key to growing Saudi Arabia’s economy
The report highlighted the sector’s vital role in supporting economic growth and increasing the gross domestic product through tourism spending on lodging, transportation, shopping and other services, while also creating job opportunities in tourism-related activities and contributing to sustainable economic diversification.
The report also outlined the key assets of Madinah’s tourism sector, noting that the city is home to around 400 religious, historical and cultural landmarks that attract visitors from across the globe.
These include the Prophet’s Mosque, major historic mosques, a variety of museums and exhibitions, modern tourist destinations and restored historical sites open to the public, such as valleys, wells and archaeological locations—forming a major driver for tourism development in the region.
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Saudi Arabia seeks 150 million visitors by 2030
The growth in Madinah’s tourism sector aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy for the tourism sector. Earlier this year, Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s minister of tourism, expressed the country’s ambition to achieve 150 million visitors by 2030. The tourism sector aims to make a significant contribution to the national economy, amounting to SAR750 billion ($200 billion), added the minister.
In 2023, the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP increased by 4.5 percent, reaching a total of 7 percent, while also generating numerous employment opportunities, Al Khateeb emphasized. In the same year, Saudi Arabia celebrated a monumental tourism milestone as it welcomed over 100 million tourists, surpassing Vision 2030 expectations seven years ahead of schedule.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed that the Kingdom welcomed 27.4 million international tourists in 2023. This marks a notable 65 percent increase compared to 2022. Moreover, it welcomed 79.3 million domestic tourists, marking a 2 percent increase compared to 2022. Collectively, both international and domestic tourists spent more than SAR250 billion ($67 billion).
Madinah’s tourism surge is not only a testament to the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage but also a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions to diversify its economy through a thriving tourism sector. As visitor numbers continue to climb and infrastructure steadily expands, Madinah is poised to play an increasingly central role in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 targets.
With strategic support, sustained investment and a clear national roadmap, the city stands as an example of how heritage tourism can drive sustainable economic growth and global connectivity.
