Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has formed a strategic partnership with WTM Spotlight Riyadh to support the inaugural travel industry event scheduled from September 8 to 10, 2026. The event will be hosted at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) and is designed to strengthen connections between international tourism businesses and Saudi Arabia.
Event Participants and Objectives
WTM Spotlight Riyadh will convene tourism authorities, destinations, hospitality firms, airlines, travel technology companies, investors, buyers, and industry leaders over three days. The event aims to foster business and investment opportunities within the Kingdom, providing Saudi companies with access to global markets while encouraging deeper international
collaboration.
Vision 2030 Tourism Goals
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy positions tourism as a key growth sector. The Kingdom targets tourism to generate 10% of its GDP and to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030. These goals reflect ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism infrastructure and expand visitor numbers across Saudi Arabia.
Official Statements and Industry Context
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director, UAE, for RX, the event organizer, described the partnership as a defining moment for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh. She said: “Our strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism is a defining moment for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh and reflects
the Kingdom’s ambition to play an even greater role in shaping the future of global tourism.” Curtis added that the event was created to facilitate meaningful business connections, promote idea exchange, and give international travel professionals direct access to Saudi Arabia’s tourism market.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh will attract exhibitors and visitors from international markets, including travel executives and hosted buyers. It operates as a B2B2C platform across the travel and tourism ecosystem, supporting Saudi Arabia’s role as both an inbound and outbound travel market.
