Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism unveiled an innovative initiative at the Frankfurt International Travel and Tourism Fair 2025, introducing Virtual Reality (VR) tours that allow visitors from around the world to explore the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah through immersive, high-definition digital experiences.
The Saudi pavilion attracted a remarkable number of visitors who praised the initiative for combining cutting-edge technology with the Kingdom’s cultural and spiritual heritage, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to using innovation to enhance visitor engagement and global awareness of its sacred landmarks.
According to ministry representatives, the project aligns with the Kingdom’s broader digital tourism transformation strategy, designed to offer a seamless travel experience that merges authenticity with innovation. The VR tours provide both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences the opportunity to virtually experience the Kingdom’s historic and religious landmarks in an accessible, interactive format.
This initiative also supports the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination for cultural and religious tourism, while maintaining its Islamic values and promoting greater international understanding of its heritage.
The Frankfurt Travel Fair is one of Europe’s largest tourism events, featuring exhibitors from more than 180 countries. Saudi Arabia’s growing presence at the fair underscores its commitment to promoting diverse tourism offerings — from historical and cultural destinations to advanced VR and AI-powered experiences.
By integrating virtual reality and artificial intelligence into its tourism initiatives, the Kingdom is taking strategic steps toward sustainable tourism development and strengthening its position as a global leader in merging technology with cultural authenticity.
