The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has announced a strategic partnership with WTM Spotlight Riyadh for the event’s inaugural edition, scheduled from 8 to 10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). The collaboration aims to accelerate tourism growth, enhance international cooperation, and advance the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Participants and Event Objectives
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is designed to unite a broad spectrum of tourism stakeholders, including destinations, tourism authorities, hospitality providers, airlines, travel technology companies, investors, consumers, and industry leaders. The event seeks to facilitate business connections and international partnerships by linking Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector with global markets.
Under Saudi Vision 2030, the tourism industry targets to contribute 10% of the country’s GDP and attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030.
Tourism Growth Under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia has been registering growth in both visitor numbers and tourism expenditures, according to recent figures released by the Ministry of Tourism. Tourism serves as a key pillar of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy outlined in Vision 2030. The partnership with WTM Spotlight Riyadh underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, investment attraction, and expanding international tourism cooperation.
Official Statements
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director for UAE at RX, said the partnership “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 is “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.”
Industry Context and Strategic Goals
Organized by RX and Reed Exhibitions Limited, WTM Spotlight Riyadh aims to support Saudi Arabia’s inbound tourism objectives and enable international travel businesses to access the Kingdom’s outbound market. The event acts as a B2B2C platform, creating a foundation for
long-term tourism growth aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. It also positions Riyadh as an emerging global destination for tourism investment and development by fostering international business connections, partnerships, and collaboration within the travel ecosystem.
