Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has formed a strategic partnership with WTM Spotlight Riyadh for the event’s first edition scheduled from September 8 to 10, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). This collaboration aims to enhance global tourism investment linked to the Kingdom’s expanding travel sector.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh to Connect Global and Saudi Tourism Markets
The three-day WTM Spotlight Riyadh event will gather tourism authorities, destination representatives, hospitality operators, airlines, travel technology companies, investors, buyers, and industry leaders. It is established as a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) platform focused on connecting international tourism enterprises with Saudi Arabia while also providing Saudi firms entry to global travel markets.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Targets Tourism for Economic Diversification
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims for tourism to contribute 10% of its gross domestic product and to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030. Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism indicates increases in both tourist arrivals and spending, underlining the sector’s growing importance in the national economy.
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director for the UAE at RX, which organizes WTM Spotlight Riyadh, said the partnership mirrors Saudi Arabia’s goal to increase its influence in global tourism. She noted that the event provides international travel professionals with direct access to the Kingdom’s tourism market and is
designed to foster meaningful business connections and idea exchanges.
Tourism Infrastructure Development Supports Economic Goals
The alliance between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and WTM Spotlight Riyadh is part of a broader economic diversification plan. It supports investment initiatives, international partnerships, and collaboration across the travel and tourism industries as the Kingdom develops its tourism infrastructure in line with Vision 2030 objectives.
