Britannica Sources used in this answer

How many pilgrims and tourists visit Mashhad each year?

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Mashhad is a major center for religious tourism, primarily driven by pilgrimages to the shrine of ‘Alī al-Riḍā, the eighth imam of the Twelver Shi‘ah.

The city attracts more than 20 million tourists and pilgrims annually. This consistent influx of visitors is central to the city's economy, supporting a wide range of services that include everything from simple hostels to luxury hotels.12