The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has become the strategic partner for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh event, scheduled for September 8 to 10, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC).
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 is designed to link international tourism enterprises with Saudi Arabia while enabling Saudi companies to engage with global markets. This initiative aims to foster international collaboration and investment within the Kingdom’s tourism industry.
Event Attendance and Industry Representation
The three-day event will assemble a diverse range of participants including tourism authorities, hospitality firms, airlines, travel technology companies, investors, buyers, and industry leaders to explore business opportunities and investments
related to Saudi Arabian tourism.
Tourism’s Role in Saudi Vision 2030
Tourism is a key sector in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The Kingdom targets tourism to account for 10% of its GDP and to attract 150 million domestic and international visits annually by 2030.
Official Statements on the Partnership
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director for UAE at RX, said the partnership signifies a defining moment for WTM Spotlight Riyadh’s first edition and reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to influence global tourism’s future. She added that the event is designed to establish meaningful business connections, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and grant international travel professionals direct access to Saudi Arabia’s
growing tourism market.
The collaboration supports investment growth and international partnerships in line with Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism infrastructure and Vision 2030 objectives.
