The Saudi Arabia Hajj tourism market is set to achieve a CAGR of +7% across the next ten years, according to a new report from Future Market Insights. The market is predicted to reach tourism revenues of US$150 billion this year, rising to US$350 billion in 2032 under the projected growth path.

Hajj is an annual religious pilgrimage to Mecca – the holiest city for Muslims and home to much spectacular architecture – undertaken each year by millions of people from the domestic and international markets. Alongside the city’s general draw as a Muslim tourism destination, the pilgrimage is a mandatory religious duty for some Muslims.

It must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and of supporting their family during their absence from home.

Mecca is 70km (43 miles) inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valley 277m (909 ft) above sea level.

Curbed by the COVID-19 pandemic, only 60,000 entered the country to visit Mecca in 2021. But as Saudi Arabia recovers fast from the crisis, overseas visitors are now entering the Kingdom in great numbers.

The projected tourism growth is partly-driven by the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative – a hugely ambitious strategic framework to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy. This will contribute significantly to the growth of Hajj tourism, Future Market Insights noted.

Pictures of the city of Mecca from the sky, there is the largest clock building in the world and Kaaba, a sacred place for the religious people of Islam

Much work is being undertaken to build the hospitality infrastructure in and around Mecca to host Hajj tourism, most notably the Abraj Kudai Hotel, which is currently under construction.

When completed, it will be the largest hotel in the world, consisting of a ring of 12 towers (split between four and five star accommodation), 45 stories high, with 10,000 bedrooms, 70 restaurants and four rooftop helipads. There will also be five floors for the sole use of the Saudi royal family.

What are the Key Drivers that Expand the Kingdom Hajj Tourism Market?

Owing to the custodianship in Saudi Arabia, Muslim travellers feel safe to travel to Mecca for Hajj therefore increasing the demand for Saudi Arabia tourism.

The religious faith and utmost devotion to follow established rituals amongst spiritual Hajjis are expanding the KSA hajj tourism market size.

The adoption of Saudi Arabia tourism by domestic and international stakeholders, especially hotel groups and tour operators increase, as over two million pilgrims travel to Islam’s holiest site.

Comforts and facilities, ease in travel, and accommodation are provided for devotees, raising the demand for Saudi Arabia hajj tourism.

Historical monuments in Saudi Arabia are being preserved, and the government plans to evolve the economy beyond oil revenues by diversifying to attract non-Muslim tourists increasing demand for Saudi Arabia tourism.

Saudi intends to modernise their society by allowing concerts and other social events and the mingling of men and women in public places, contributing to the KSA hajj tourism market size.

What are the Scopes that will Expand the Saudi Arabia Hajj Tourism Market?

The kingdom strives to develop the tourism sector to entice domestic religious tourists and pilgrims escalating the Saudi Arabia hajj tourism market share.

The demand for Saudi Arabia hajj tourism is high for the travel and hotel industries for future business plans.

Domestic and international airlines including Qatar Airways and Qatar’s Al Maha Airlines, provide their services to different routes increasing the Saudi Arabia hajj tourism market size.

The excessive number of national and international Hajjis drive the demand for proper accommodation in hotel renting, pushes the demand for Saudi Arabia hajj tourism.

The concept of backpacking is elevating in the Arabian cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina is a possible opportunity to increase demand for Saudi Arabia hajj tourism.

Muslim pilgrims from all over the world gather to perform a small Umrah or Hajj at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

What is the Regional Analysis of the Saudi Arabia Hajj Tourism Market?

Mecca attracts millions of both domestic and international Muslim pilgrims every year for Hajj.

The primary source of revenue generation largely issues from international pilgrims from countries with majority Muslim population.

The Kingdom hajj tourism market share is primarily occupied by the APAC, South Asian, and African countries, as the majority of Muslim devotees migrate from different countries in these regions.

Europe is second in line dominating the Saudi Arabia hajj tourism market share, with Muslim pilgrims travelling from the U.K., Turkey, Albania, Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Bosnia.

More information about Future Market Insights’ full report on Hajj tourism can be found here.