The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has been named the strategic partner for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, scheduled from September 8 to 10, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre (RFECC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event will bring together stakeholders from Saudi Arabia and international travel sectors to explore the expanding prospects within Saudi Arabia’s tourism economy.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 Conference Programme Targets Vision 2030 Tourism Objectives
The three-day conference will focus on advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism targets, including the sector’s goal to contribute 10% to the kingdom’s GDP by 2030 and to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually. Key topics include outward
travel growth, improved connectivity, development of workforce skills, digital innovation, and investment opportunities within the tourism ecosystem. Sessions will cover community-based tourism, sustainable growth, premium travel, wellness tourism, sports tourism, faith tourism, and applications of agentic artificial intelligence in trip planning.
Key Speakers and Industry Panels Highlight Market Trends and Opportunities
The event will feature presentations from prominent industry figures. Samer Al-Kharashi of UN Tourism will address the role of tourism in regional development and preservation of cultural and natural assets. UN Tourism will collaborate with Chemonics International on a segment focused on community-based tourism. Dave Goodger, Managing Director for EMEA at Tourism Economics, will analyze demand, expenditure, and traveler
behavior to identify new opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s arrivals. A CEO forum will convene executives from Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co, Cruise Saudi, and flyadeal to discuss resilience in travel, aviation, and lodging sectors. Additionally, an Innovation Startup Showcase organized by UN Tourism will spotlight Saudi Arabia’s expanding travel ecosystem.
Official Statements Emphasize Global Connectivity and Business Opportunities
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director for the UAE at RX, described the Ministry of Tourism’s partnership as a defining element that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to increase its role in global tourism. Curtis stated, “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 aims to facilitate industry collaboration, investment, education, and deal-making among global destinations, carriers, hotels, technology providers, and buyers.
Tourism’s Role within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Economic Diversification Strategy
Saudi Arabia positions tourism as a core pillar of economic diversification under Vision 2030. Investments into infrastructure, workforce development, and inbound and outbound travel markets are key elements supporting the growth of tourism to represent 10% of GDP and draw 150 million annual visitors by 2030. The Approved Destination Status granted to Saudi Arabia, especially in relation to Chinese travelers, shapes parts
of the event’s agenda, including discussions on outbound travel demand and increasing premium and wellness tourism segments.
Event Framework Facilitates International B2B2C Market Integration
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 is structured as a B2B2C platform aimed at linking international tourism businesses with Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing market. Through conferences, scheduled meetings, networking opportunities, and deal-making sessions, the event will connect destinations, aviation carriers, accommodations, attractions, technology companies, travel buyers, and consumers. This platform supports Saudi Arabia’s objective to deepen international collaboration and attract investment into its tourism sector.
