The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has joined WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 as a strategic partner for the inaugural event, which will take place from 8 to 10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC).
Event Scope and Objectives
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is created to connect international tourism businesses with Saudi Arabia and vice versa. It targets tourism authorities, destinations, hospitality providers, airlines, travel technology companies, investors, buyers, and industry leaders, aiming to promote global tourism investment and support Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector.
Saudi Vision 2030 Tourism Targets and Growth
Tourism is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The Kingdom targets tourism
to contribute 10% of GDP and attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030. Recent Ministry of Tourism figures show continued growth in visitor numbers and tourism spending.
Official Statements on Partnership
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX, said: “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.” 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.”
International Participation and Platform Role
The event is expected to attract international visitors, exhibitors, travel industry executives, and hosted buyers. WTM Spotlight Riyadh offers access to Saudi Arabia’s outbound and inbound tourism markets and operates as a B2B2C platform spanning the travel and tourism ecosystem. Organized by Reed Exhibitions Limited, with trademarks owned by RX and Reed Exhibitions, it supports Saudi Arabia’s development as a leading global tourism destination under Vision 2030.
