Madinah tops region as 73 percent of visitors choose it as their first destination
Madinah – Madinah has reaffirmed its place as one of the most beloved and spiritually significant cities in the world, topping regional tourism rankings with 73.7 percent of visitors choosing it as their primary destination.
According to a recent report by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, the holy city continues to captivate millions through its sacred heritage, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere that offers peace and tranquility to all who visit.
This milestone highlights Madinah’s enduring status as a destination that perfectly blends spiritual significance with modern development and hospitality.
The report revealed that Madinah has ranked among the top 100 global destinations and proudly secured the seventh position worldwide in the tourism performance index.
This achievement reflects the city’s growing appeal as a global hub for religious, cultural, and historical tourism. Visitors are drawn not only to its spiritual landmarks but also to its cultural experiences, world-class hospitality infrastructure, and commitment to continuous urban development.
Madinah’s deep connection to Prophet Muhammad makes it one of the most cherished cities for millions of Muslims, while its expanding facilities make it increasingly accessible and comfortable for all travelers.
Tourism performance indicators also highlighted the success of neighboring destinations within the Madinah region. The report showed that 47.2 percent of incoming tourists visited AlUla governorate, renowned for its cultural festivals, ancient archaeological sites, and UNESCO World Heritage locations.
Meanwhile, 14.1 percent of domestic tourists chose Yanbu for its pristine beaches, marine adventures, and family-friendly recreational activities.
Together, these destinations have strengthened the region’s reputation as a diverse tourism hub, offering both spiritual and leisure experiences that cater to global travelers.
The Madinah Chamber of Commerce emphasized that these results reflect the Kingdom’s strategic efforts to advance tourism in line with Vision 2030.
The national tourism system has played a pivotal role in supporting destinations like Madinah, ensuring that the region continues to attract international visitors while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Major investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and public services have transformed the visitor experience, making Madinah not just a sacred destination but also a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s progress and vision for sustainable tourism growth.
Madinah’s success story is also a result of the dedication of the Madinah Region Development Authority, which has implemented a wide range of projects to modernize facilities, improve transportation, and preserve the city’s historical and spiritual character.
These initiatives aim to ensure that every visitor experiences comfort, safety, and serenity while exploring the city’s mosques, museums, and heritage sites.
The authority’s work aligns with the broader national goals of enhancing religious tourism, boosting economic diversification, and fostering cultural exchange.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Madinah also recorded the highest occupancy rates in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector during the first half of 2025, reaching 74.7 percent.
This impressive figure highlights the city’s ability to accommodate its growing number of visitors while maintaining high standards of service.
The total number of licensed hospitality facilities in Madinah rose to 538, including 69 new licenses issued this year, with over 64,500 hotel rooms available—an increase of 6,628 rooms compared to the previous year.
Residents and visitors alike praise Madinah for its peaceful environment and spiritual energy. Ahmad Al-Otaibi, a Taif resident, described the city as incomparable in its calm and welcoming nature, crediting the development authorities for improving hospitality and infrastructure that elevate the visitor experience.
These efforts have not only enhanced the quality of services but have also strengthened the city’s role as a leading global destination for faith-based and cultural tourism.
Madinah’s continued growth and success represent the essence of Saudi Vision 2030—creating a vibrant society, thriving economy, and an ambitious nation that opens its doors to the world.
With ongoing projects, modern facilities, and a deep-rooted spiritual identity, Madinah stands as a shining example of how tradition and progress can exist in harmony.
