Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has partnered with WTM Spotlight Riyadh as the strategic partner for the event’s first edition, scheduled for September 8–10, 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance international cooperation and attract investment to the Kingdom’s growing tourism sector.
Details of the WTM Spotlight Riyadh Event
WTM Spotlight Riyadh will be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. The three-day industry event is designed to facilitate connections between Saudi Arabian tourism businesses and global travel companies. It will bring together tourism authorities, destinations, hospitality firms, airlines, travel technology providers, investors, buyers, and other industry leaders.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Tourism Objectives
Tourism is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s
Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. The Kingdom targets tourism to account for 10% of its GDP and to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030. Ministry of Tourism data indicates consistent increases in visitor numbers and tourism spending, supporting these goals.
Event Scope and Industry Impact
WTM Spotlight Riyadh aims to draw international exhibitors, hosted buyers, and travel executives. The event serves as a B2B2C platform covering the entire travel ecosystem, fostering investment and partnership opportunities. It provides international travel professionals direct access to Saudi Arabia’s tourism market while supporting the country’s outbound travel ambitions.
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director for the
UAE at RX, said the partnership with the Ministry of Tourism marks a defining moment for the inaugural event. She stated the collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to play a larger role in shaping global tourism and emphasized the event’s focus on creating meaningful business connections and exchanging ideas.
“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 said. She added, “WTM Spotlight Riyadh has been designed to create meaningful business connections,
encourage the exchange of ideas and provide international travel professionals with direct access to one of the world’s most exciting tourism markets.”
