Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has become the strategic partner for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh event, scheduled from September 8 to 10, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). This partnership aims to increase international investment and collaboration in Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector.
Event Objectives and Market Access
WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring together a range of international tourism businesses with Saudi Arabia, while also providing Saudi companies opportunities to connect with global markets. The three-day event is expected to attract tourism authorities, hospitality companies, airlines, travel technology firms, investors, buyers, and industry leaders to discuss business and investment prospects
within the Kingdom.
Vision 2030 Tourism Targets
The launch of WTM Spotlight Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks tourism to contribute 10% of the country’s GDP and to attract 150 million visitors annually, both domestic and international, by 2030. The Ministry of Tourism’s figures demonstrate continued increases in visitor numbers and tourism spending, supporting these targets.
Participants and Industry Context
The event will focus on Saudi Arabia’s ambitions both as an international tourist destination and a major outbound travel market. RX, the event organizer, describes WTM Spotlight Riyadh as a B2B2C platform that spans the full travel and tourism ecosystem and is expected to
draw exhibitors and visitors from global markets, including hosted buyers and travel industry executives.
Official Statements
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director, UAE, at RX, stated the partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism represents a defining moment for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh. Curtis emphasized the Kingdom’s goal to play an enhanced role in shaping global tourism. She said, “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.”
