Saudi Tourism Ministry Launches Digital Service to Boost Hospitality Capacity Ahead of Hajj 1447

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a new digital service allowing hospitality facility operators in Makkah and Madinah to apply for increased bed capacity in preparation for the 1447 AH Hajj season.

The service, launched via the Tourism Activities Licenses Portal (https://mt.gov.sa), is designed to support licensed accommodation providers in meeting the anticipated surge in pilgrim arrivals. The initiative is part of the ministry’s ongoing strategy to enhance digital services, improve operational efficiency, and ensure high standards of service during one of the Kingdom’s most significant annual religious events.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry said the move underlines its commitment to supporting the tourism sector’s preparedness, while also ensuring that pilgrims enjoy a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching experience.

With Hajj season drawing millions of visitors from around the world, the ministry emphasized the importance of early preparations and seamless coordination among stakeholders. The launch of this digital tool is expected to streamline procedures for increasing hospitality capacity, allowing service providers to quickly submit and process their applications without unnecessary delays.

“This initiative ensures that the hospitality sector can adequately accommodate the growing number of pilgrims while maintaining regulatory standards and service quality,” the ministry said. “It also supports the wider objectives of Vision 2030, which aims to modernize and expand the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure, particularly in religious destinations.”

Authorities have urged hospitality operators to submit applications well in advance through the designated portal to secure necessary approvals and ensure full readiness before the pilgrimage begins.

The enhanced digital service follows other modernization efforts by the Saudi government aimed at improving the Hajj experience, including smarter crowd management, transport logistics, and real-time health and safety monitoring.

With the 1447 AH Hajj season approaching, the new service is seen as a critical step toward supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to welcome more pilgrims while preserving the sanctity and smooth operation of the holy sites.

Operators and stakeholders have welcomed the move as a practical solution to increasing demand, while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in digital transformation across vital sectors.