First read is on us.

Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news.

Saudi Arabia ponders whether to improve infrastructure for religious tourism


Skift Take

Infrastructure for the religious pilgrimage has reached capacity, but investors are reluctant to poor in millions of dollars as facilities will stay empty for most of the year.

This week concludes the Hajj, the annual rite of pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabian holy city of Mecca, where the Prophet Mohammed first spread the faith that has since become known as Islam. The Hajj represents, among many other things, Saudi Arabia’s unique place of prominence in the vast Islamic world, as well as an economic opportunity for the oil-dependent Saudi economy. Religious tourism, to which the Hajj is central, is a key component of the country’s long-term economic strategy. The kingdom is planning for the day that the natural resource that’s made it so rich dies out.

The number of regular tourists to Saudi Arabia increases, while Hajj visitors remain relatively flat. Photo courtesy of World Bank.

Prominent Saudi businessman Abdul Rahman al-Rashed does the math and finds the economic case for expanding Hajj tourism is weak, even though the Muslim world’s rising middle classes are showing increased willingness and interest in the annual pilgrimage.

Up Next

Business Travel

The State of Corporate Travel and Expense 2025

A new report explores how for travel and finance managers are targeting enhanced ROI, new opportunities, greater efficiencies, time and money savings, and better experiences for employees with innovative travel and expense management solutions.
Sponsored
Tourism

Inside Malaysia’s Target to Hit 35.6 Million Tourism Arrivals by 2026

Southeast Asia’s tourism race is heating up. And with destinations like Thailand and Vietnam making strong plays, Malaysia will need to up its game. It’s also a chance for the destination to diversify its offerings and attract fresh audiences in a crowded regional race.