Recent statistics from Euromonitor International show that Mecca has made it into the top ten places to visit abroad. The survey also lists the top 100 cities worldwide for 2023. Istanbul is at the top of this list.
This accomplishment is significant for Saudi tourism. It validates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a travel destination on a worldwide scale. Especially given its variety of tourism offerings, which include historical, religious, cultural, and entertainment aspects.
Fifty-Five Metrics
The organisation evaluated fifty-five ranks across six categories—tourist infrastructure, health and safety, sustainability, tourism performance, and other factors—to compile the list of the top ten worldwide holiday destinations, with Mecca ranking tenth.
The number one spot on the list of the best places to holiday abroad for 2023 is Istanbul. A Turkish city that received an incredible 20.2 million visitors in 2023—a 26% increase from 2022.
London ranked second on the list in 2023 with 18.8 million foreign arrivals. From 2022 to 2023, the English capital saw an increase in tourists of 17% every year.
According to CNBC, the survey also provided a rating of the top 10 cities worldwide by quantity of foreign visitors.
According to a report released by CNBC on Sunday, November 11, “International travel continued to achieve a strong recovery in 2023 with a growth of 38% in terms of the number of trips.”
One American destination
There was just one American location included among the top 10 in the Euromonitor International ranking, and that was New York City.
Dubai placed third, followed by Turkey’s Antalya in fourth place. Paris, the capital of France, is in fifth place, Hong Kong is in sixth place. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is in seventh place. New York is in eighth place, and Cancun, Mexico, is in ninth place.
Unique Status
Mecca is the first qibla and main location for the Hajj and Umrah. It holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims.
The city is also notable for its religious, historical, and cultural attractions, including the Holy Mosque of Mecca, the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, Mount Arafat, and Taif.
Saudi Arabia is making enormous efforts to promote religious and cultural tourism in Mecca. This is achieved via improving travel and tourist facilities and infrastructure, organising festivals and events, expediting the visa and travel processes, and boosting Saudi tourism abroad.
Observers believe that this achievement will have a big influence on the Saudi economy. It enhances the number of visitors that visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, provides new employment opportunities, and grows numerous economic sectors.
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