Saudi Arabia boosts spiritual tourism with new hotel in Medina

14-07-25

Saudi Arabia continues to advance its ambitious plan to become one of the world’s leading religious tourism destinations with the opening of a high-end hotel in the holy city of Medina. The new property, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is the first of this exclusive brand in the region and is strategically located in the city’s sacred district, just steps away from the Prophet’s Mosque.

This hotel opening represents much more than a simple addition to Hilton’s portfolio. It is a key element in the Kingdom’s strategy to diversify its economy, strengthen the tourism sector, and provide pilgrims with modern, comfortable accommodations that honor the spiritual tradition of the site. The project is also part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to reduce dependence on oil by promoting sectors such as tourism, technology, education, and international investment.

Featuring a contemporary design that pays tribute to local heritage, the Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Medina offers 120 elegantly decorated rooms, various dining options, wellness facilities, and spaces designed for rest and contemplation. All of this is set in an environment that respects the spiritual essence of the destination, providing visitors with a unique experience of Saudi hospitality.

Medina is the second holiest site in Islam after Mecca, receiving millions of pilgrims each year who travel there for both religious and spiritual purposes. The city, home to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, has historically been a center of devotion and gathering for Muslims worldwide. The new hotel offering responds to the steady growth of religious tourism in the country, while also raising the standard of quality and service for guests.

Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, Carlos Khneisser, expressed his enthusiasm for the opening, emphasizing the symbolic and strategic value of the project. He stated that the expansion of the Tapestry Collection brand in Saudi Arabia is a significant milestone in Hilton’s growing presence in the region and reaffirms the company’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s vision of modernization and internationalization of its tourism sector.

Government representatives in Saudi Arabia have also highlighted that this opening is part of a much broader transformation. In recent years, the Kingdom has made significant investments in tourism infrastructure, workforce training, service digitalization, and improved air connectivity. These efforts have not only made it easier for pilgrims to access the sites but also enhanced their overall experience, modernizing the offerings while maintaining the spiritual values that define these destinations.

Religious tourism remains one of the main pillars of Saudi Arabia’s tourism development. In 2023 alone, more than 17 million pilgrims visited Mecca and Medina, and this number is expected to grow steadily with new policies of openness and promotion. The inclusion of international hotel brands like Hilton brings credibility, trust, and global standards that strengthen the destination’s competitiveness among other major pilgrimage centers.

Moreover, initiatives like this generate local employment, stimulate the development of complementary services, and promote a more sustainable and diversified tourism model. In this context, the presence of global hotel chains in Saudi holy cities not only meets growing demand but also helps project a renewed image of the country to the international community.

The opening of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Medina therefore marks a new chapter in the history of Saudi tourism, aiming to become a global benchmark in spiritual hospitality. A destination that combines tradition and modernity, faith and service, and that continues to move forward with determination toward a future where tourism—especially of a religious nature—will play an essential role in its national development.

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