The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has become the strategic partner for the first WTM Spotlight Riyadh event, scheduled for September 8 to 10, 2026, at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. The event aims to link international tourism businesses with Saudi Arabia and provide Saudi tourism firms access to global markets.
Event Participants and Venue
The three-day event will unite tourism authorities, destination marketers, hospitality groups, airlines, travel technology providers, investors, buyers, and industry leaders. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center will host the conference and exhibition, providing a central platform for industry engagement.
Vision 2030 Tourism Goals
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which targets
tourism to contribute 10% of the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030. The initiative also aspires to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by the end of the decade. The Ministry of Tourism’s recent data shows ongoing growth in visitor numbers and tourism spending, reinforcing the sector’s economic role.
Business and Investment Focus at WTM Spotlight Riyadh
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director for UAE at RX, the event organizer, said the partnership marks a defining moment reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to shape global tourism’s future. Curtis emphasized that the event will gather key travel industry decision-makers and offer professionals direct access to one of the world’s most dynamic
tourism markets. WTM Spotlight Riyadh is designed as a B2B2C platform that spans the travel and tourism ecosystem, prioritizing business connections and innovation exchange.
Strategic Importance of the Partnership
The collaboration between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and WTM Spotlight Riyadh supports increased investment inflows, international partnerships, and industry collaboration. It aims to position Saudi Arabia both as an inbound destination and a significant outbound travel market. The event will facilitate global engagement with Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism infrastructure and Vision 2030 objectives.
