WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 is set for September 8-10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre (RFECC), focusing on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism targets. The three-day event will explore outward travel, regional and international connectivity, visitor offerings, workforce development, and digital innovation.
Conference Themes Center on Sustainable Growth and Visitor Experience
The conference agenda emphasizes how tourism growth can contribute to sustainable economic and societal benefits aligned with Vision 2030. Sessions will include discussions on community-based tourism and authentic local experiences led by UN Tourism and Chemonics International. Topics on demand, spending, and traveler trends are planned to identify opportunities in both domestic and international arrivals.
Notable Speakers and Industry Leadership
Samer
Al-Kharashi of UN Tourism will address tourism’s role in regional development and heritage preservation. Dave Goodger, Managing Director for EMEA at Tourism Economics, will analyze traveler demand and spending patterns. The CEO forum will gather executives from Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co, Cruise Saudi, and flyadeal to focus on resilience in travel, aviation, and lodging sectors. Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director UAE at RX, highlighted the event’s role in connecting Saudi Arabia with global tourism networks.
Strategic Partnership with Saudi Ministry of Tourism
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has become a strategic partner for WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026, supporting investment attraction and international collaboration. Curtis described this
partnership as “a defining moment” that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to expand its influence in global tourism and transform tourism momentum into sustained economic value and community benefits.
Focus on Outbound Travel and Market Access
The second day will spotlight outbound demand with a Super Panel titled “The $35BN Opportunity – How and Where to Capture Outbound Demand,” exploring how destinations and travel companies can tap into Saudi Arabia’s outbound travel market. Additional sessions will cover premium travel, MICE events, culturally relevant experiences, sector funding, and the growth of Chinese travelers following Saudi Arabia’s Approved Destination Status.
Infrastructure, Innovation, and AI
The final day is dedicated to enhancing visitor experiences
through infrastructure and capital investment, focusing on integrated tourism routes involving air, sea, rail, and road. Topics will include entertainment, heritage, sports tourism, faith travel, and pilgrimage. The conference concludes with a session on agentic AI’s potential to revolutionize trip planning and customer service.
