Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has become the strategic partner for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh event, scheduled for September 8–10, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). The collaboration aims to boost the Kingdom’s tourism sector by attracting international industry investment and expanding cross-border business connections.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh to Connect Global Tourism Stakeholders
The three-day WTM Spotlight Riyadh event will assemble tourism authorities, destination representatives, hospitality firms, airlines, travel technology companies, investors, buyers, and key industry figures. The platform is designed to facilitate business connections between Saudi and international companies, providing direct access to Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism market and helping Saudi companies
engage with global markets.
Saudi Vision 2030 Tourism Targets Drive Partnership
Saudi Arabia targets tourism to contribute 10% to its GDP and attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030. This strategic partnership aligns with Vision 2030’s economic diversification plan, which positions tourism as a crucial sector. Recent Ministry of Tourism data reflect increasing visitor numbers and tourism expenditures, supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading global tourism destination.
RX Executives Highlight Significance of Partnership
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director for UAE at RX, described the partnership as a defining moment for the inaugural event and stated it reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to shape the future of global tourism. Curtis
added that WTM Spotlight Riyadh is designed to create meaningful business connections, encourage the exchange of ideas, and give international travel professionals direct access to Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem.
