Madinah, October 22, 2024 – The Madinah Region Development Authority has announced a remarkable achievement: the number of visitors to Madinah in 2023 exceeded 14 million, marking a staggering 124% increase compared to the figures recorded in 2014. This historic surge underscores Madinah's growing prominence as a key religious and tourist destination in Saudi Arabia, attracting millions of pilgrims and travelers each year.
According to the statistics released by the authority, visitor numbers have steadily increased over the past decade. In 2014, Madinah welcomed 6.3 million visitors, a number that remained stable in 2015. The following years saw incremental growth, with figures rising to 6.5 million in 2016, and 7.5 million in 2017. By 2018, the city received 8 million visitors, and this trend continued with 9.8 million recorded in 2019. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 led to significant travel restrictions, temporarily impacting tourism.
The recovery began in earnest in 2022, when over 8 million visitors returned to Madinah, signaling a resurgence in interest for this sacred city. By 2023, the city experienced an unprecedented influx of visitors, with 14.1 million flocking to its renowned religious and historical sites. This increase was accompanied by a substantial rise in visitor spending, which soared past SAR 49 billion last year, reflecting the city's economic revitalization.
Notably, the average length of stay for visitors in Madinah increased to 10 days, further illustrating the city's appeal as a primary destination for religious tourism. Key attractions such as the Prophet's Mosque, revered as one of Islam's holiest sites, alongside significant historical landmarks like the Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud, play an integral role in the spiritual journey of countless visitors, many of whom seek to connect with the life and teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, Peace Be Upon Him.
In light of this impressive growth, the Madinah Region Development Authority has reiterated its commitment to further enhancing the tourism experience in the region. In collaboration with various partners, the authority is preparing over 100 additional sites aimed at enriching the experiences of both pilgrims and tourists. These initiatives align with Saudi Vision 2030’s Pilgrim Experience Program, which seeks to deepen the spiritual and cultural journeys of visitors to this historic city.
As Madinah continues to evolve as a central hub for religious and cultural tourism, the ongoing developments and investments in the region are poised to solidify its status as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe, fostering a deeper appreciation of its rich heritage and spiritual significance.