The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has confirmed its role as strategic partner of WTM Spotlight Riyadh, the inaugural event scheduled for September 8 to 10, 2026, at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) in Riyadh. This collaboration signals Saudi Arabia’s effort to strengthen global tourism investment and partnerships within its expanding travel sector.
Event Structure and Strategic Aims
WTM Spotlight Riyadh will span three days, gathering an array of participants including tourism authorities, destination representatives, hospitality firms, airlines, travel technology companies, investors, buyers, and industry leaders. The event is designed to stimulate business opportunities and investment throughout Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem by connecting Saudi
companies with international markets.
Tourism Growth Aligned with Vision 2030
The event underpins Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal, which aims for tourism to contribute 10% of the nation’s GDP and attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by the decade’s end. Recent data from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism indicates rising visitor numbers and tourism expenditures, supporting the Kingdom’s strategy to become a prominent global tourism destination while diversifying its economy.
Organizers’ Perspective on Partnership
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director for RX in the UAE, emphasized the partnership’s significance, describing it as a defining moment for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh. She highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing role shaping the
future of global tourism. Curtis stated the event aims to forge meaningful business relationships, foster idea exchange, and grant international travel professionals direct access to Saudi Arabia’s tourism market.
Organizers present WTM Spotlight Riyadh as a B2B2C platform encompassing the travel and tourism ecosystem. The event intends to facilitate direct business connections between Saudi and global companies, promoting investment and collaboration as Saudi Arabia advances its tourism infrastructure and Vision 2030 objectives.
