The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has been confirmed as the strategic partner for the first edition of WTM Spotlight Riyadh, scheduled from September 8 to September 10, 2026. The event will be hosted at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Event Structure and Attendees
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 will span three days, bringing together a range of stakeholders from the tourism sector. Attendees will include tourism authorities, destination representatives, hospitality companies, airlines, travel technology providers, investors, buyers, and industry leaders. The event is designed to facilitate business and investment discussions within the Kingdom’s growing tourism market.
Vision 2030 and Tourism Goals
The partnership
aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, where tourism is targeted to contribute 10% of the nation’s gross domestic product by the end of the decade. The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030. Recent data from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism indicate growth in visitor numbers and tourism expenditure, supporting these targets.
Significance of the Strategic Partnership
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director, UAE at RX, emphasized the importance of this collaboration stating, “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.” Curtis added that the event aims to offer international travel professionals direct access to Saudi Arabia’s tourism market and facilitate meaningful industry connections.
International Cooperation and Investment
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 will operate as a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) platform, focusing on connecting Saudi and international companies across the travel and tourism ecosystem. The event intends to encourage idea exchange, support investment opportunities, and foster international partnerships, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as an emerging global tourism destination.
