Makkah, November 9, 2024 – The Royal Commission for Makkah and Holy Sites recently participated in the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where it showcased Makkah’s unique landmarks and its growing potential as a leading tourism destination. As one of the most important events in the global travel industry, WTM provides an unparalleled platform for tourism professionals to network, explore new opportunities, and stay ahead of the latest trends. This year, the event is hosting over 4,000 exhibitors from around the world, making it an ideal venue for the Royal Commission to highlight Makkah’s offerings and strengthen its international presence.
During the event, the Royal Commission emphasized Makkah's rich cultural and religious heritage, presenting its iconic landmarks such as the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram), Kaaba, and Mount Arafat, which continue to attract millions of Muslim pilgrims each year. These landmarks were featured as part of a broader conversation about Makkah’s evolving tourism landscape, which extends beyond religious pilgrimages to include a growing array of hospitality and leisure services designed to enhance the visitor experience.
The Commission also highlighted various investment opportunities in Makkah’s tourism infrastructure, showcasing projects aimed at improving accommodation, transportation, and other services for visitors. With the support of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, these developments are designed to accommodate a larger influx of tourists while preserving the city’s cultural and religious significance. By presenting these opportunities, the Royal Commission aims to attract investors and partners who share its vision of making Makkah a premier destination for both spiritual and leisure tourism.
As the World Travel Market serves as a key meeting point for industry professionals, the Royal Commission for Makkah took advantage of the event to forge new partnerships and expand its network of global stakeholders. Discussions centered on how to further enhance the visitor experience in Makkah, including improvements in hospitality services, transportation networks, and digital solutions to streamline the pilgrimage process.
In addition to showcasing the city’s religious and cultural assets, the Commission’s participation in WTM underlined Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to position Makkah as a central hub for global tourism, leveraging its strategic location and historical significance to attract both international tourists and business investment. As part of its ongoing initiatives, the Royal Commission is working to integrate sustainable practices and modern technologies into the city’s tourism infrastructure, ensuring that Makkah’s growth remains in line with the Kingdom’s vision for the future.
The participation of the Royal Commission for Makkah and Holy Sites at the World Travel Market marks a significant step in promoting the city’s global tourism appeal, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader goal of diversifying its economy and enhancing its status as a world-class destination for travelers.