WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 will convene over 6,500 regional and international visitors and 150 hosted buyers to emphasize the strength and rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Data from STR indicates strong tourism demand in Jeddah since March 2026, attributed to its coastal location, with growth forecasts revised upward. Ahead of a rebound expected to reach 2025 levels in Riyadh by February 2027, giga-projects in the capital city are predicted to stimulate accelerated tourism recovery throughout 2027.
Saudi Tourism Sector Growth and Q1 2026 Data
According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, visitor numbers rose by 8% year-over-year to 37.2 million during the first quarter of 2026.
Tourist spending in this period reached SAR82.7 billion, while domestic tourism increased by 16%, reflecting enhanced local engagement with expanding tourism offerings. In 2025, the Kingdom reported nearly 123 million domestic and international visitors, generating SAR304 billion in tourism spending and surpassing Vision 2030 tourism milestones ahead of schedule. Passenger traffic at Saudi airports reached 140.9 million in 2025, supported by expanded connectivity to 176 international destinations as reported by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
Leadership, Investment, and Recovery
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE at RX, emphasized the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, noting its growth is driven by Vision 2030
and sustained investment in infrastructure, aviation, hospitality, and visitor experiences. Ibrahim Osta, Senior Economic Growth Director and Global Tourism Lead at Chemonics International, highlighted leadership as critical for recovery, stating, “Recovery doesn’t just happen – it’s a decision. The destinations that came back fastest are the ones that made the bold decision to invest at the height of the crisis, protected their businesses, and controlled their own narrative when everyone else went quiet. That is not luck. That is leadership.” The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with George Washington University and Chemonics International, will present three conference
sessions at the event to discuss these themes.
Event Format and Vision 2030 Alignment
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 will operate as a B2B2C platform, offering pre-arranged meetings, networking opportunities, and a comprehensive conference program. The event is designed to connect destinations, tourism authorities, travel brands, hospitality providers, airlines, technology companies, and buyers, facilitating robust business interactions. This approach supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to position the Kingdom as a global leader in tourism innovation and investment, fostering international collaboration and demonstrating the continued expansion of its tourism ecosystem.
Research and Industry Support
Research conducted by WTTC alongside George Washington University and Chemonics International underpins the event’s focus on tourism
resilience and recovery. STR data emphasizes positive demand trends in Jeddah and predicts Riyadh’s tourism demand to rebound rapidly by early 2027, supported by ongoing giga-projects. Saudi Arabia’s sustained investments in aviation, hospitality, and destination infrastructure enhance visitor experiences and underpin the Kingdom’s ambition to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. The event is structured to solidify global partnerships and reinforce confidence in Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism market, according to www.wtm.com.
