Madinah's tourism sector has seen remarkable growth over the past three years, with the region welcoming 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 from the Madinah Chamber of Commerce. The rise aligns with national goals to diversify the economy and increase tourism's contribution to GDP, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The report noted that accommodation, tour operators and travel agencies saw an 18.7% increase in activity during 2024, reflecting growing demand for tourism services and confirming that Madinah has become a preferred destination for visitors from around the world, particularly given the presence of more than 400 religious, cultural and historical landmarks.

Among the most prominent of these destinations are the Prophet's Mosque, historic mosques, museums and exhibitions, as well as archaeological sites such as valleys and wells that have recently been developed to be accessible to visitors as part of a comprehensive tourism experience.

The report affirmed that sector revenues could be doubled by developing infrastructure, boosting hotel and tourism investment, expanding short-term tourist rentals through global platforms, and creating specialized tourism tracks that include health, entertainment and cultural tourism.

The Madinah Chamber called for continuing to organize cultural events and stimulate entrepreneurship, to boost job opportunities for the region's residents and support the broader tourism ecosystem, in pursuit of economic sustainability and diversified income sources.