The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh conference will take place from September 8 to 10, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre (RFECC) in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has been confirmed as the event’s strategic partner, a collaboration officially announced in early September 2026 to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position in the global tourism sector.
Conference Programme Highlights Leading Industry Voices
The full conference programme is now publicly available, featuring a diverse agenda that addresses Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions under its Vision 2030 framework. Key themes include tourism’s contribution to economic growth, outbound travel demand, market access, workforce development, digital transformation, and various
travel segments such as MICE, premium travel, wellness, sports tourism, and faith-based travel.
Speakers scheduled include Samer Al-Kharashi from UN Tourism, who will discuss tourism’s impact on regional development and community engagement. Dave Goodger, Managing Director for the EMEA region at Tourism Economics, will analyse travel demand and spending patterns. Executives from Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co, Cruise Saudi, and flyadeal will participate in a CEO forum focusing on resilience and adaptability across multiple travel sectors.
B2B2C Platform for Networking and Innovation
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 is designed as a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) platform aimed at facilitating interactions between Saudi and international travel industry stakeholders. The event
will feature scheduled meetings, networking opportunities, and deal-making sessions involving destinations, airlines, hotels, attractions, and technology providers.
UN Tourism will partner with Chemonics International to present a segment on community-based tourism, promoting authentic local experiences. UN Tourism will also organise an Innovation Startup Showcase highlighting Saudi Arabia’s travel ecosystem, emphasizing new technologies and entrepreneurial ventures.
Sessions will explore integrated tourism routes that connect air, sea, rail, and road transport, supporting connectivity and enhancing visitor experiences. Discussions will address tourism’s role in generating socioeconomic benefits while preserving cultural and natural heritage.
Vision 2030 Targets and Market Expansion
The event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which
aim for tourism to contribute 10% to the national GDP and attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030. Additionally, the conference will consider a $35 billion opportunity related to Saudi outbound traveler spending.
The strategic partnership between WTM Spotlight Riyadh and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism seeks to attract global investment and deepen international collaboration. This initiative supports growth in domestic tourism as well as Saudi Arabia’s expanding role as a source market for outbound travel.
Official Statements on Strategic Partnership
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director UAE at RX, emphasised the importance of the collaboration, stating, “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 also highlighted the event’s design to foster business connections and exchange of ideas: “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.”
