The Saudi Ministry of Tourism is the strategic partner for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh event, scheduled from 8 to 10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This partnership marks a milestone promoting Saudi Arabia’s influence in the global travel market.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh Connects Global Tourism Stakeholders
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is designed to connect international tourism businesses with Saudi Arabia and provide Saudi companies access to global markets. The event will feature a comprehensive conference schedule focused on global tourism investment. It will bring together destinations, tourism authorities, hospitality providers, airlines, travel technology companies, investors, and industry
leaders to explore business and investment opportunities within the Kingdom’s tourism sector growth.
Saudi Vision 2030 Tourism Targets and Growth
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets tourism to contribute 10% of the GDP and to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by the end of the decade. The Ministry of Tourism’s recent figures show growth in visitor numbers and tourism spending, supporting Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets globally. Tourism is a key pillar of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030.
International Participants and B2B2C Platform Model
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is expected to attract exhibitors and visitors from international markets, including international hosted buyers. The event
serves as a B2B2C platform spanning the travel and tourism ecosystem, supporting inbound tourism ambitions and access to the Saudi outbound travel market. It aims to encourage investment, strengthen international tourism partnerships, and promote sustainable tourism development.
Official Statements on Partnership and Event Objectives
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX, stated, “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.” The event and partnership aim to accelerate tourism growth, strengthen international collaboration, and support Saudi Vision 2030 ambitions.
