The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has partnered with WTM Spotlight Riyadh as the strategic partner for the inaugural travel industry event, aiming to boost international investment in the Kingdom’s expanding travel sector. This partnership highlights efforts to accelerate global tourism investment and deepen global collaboration in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.
Event Dates and Participants
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is scheduled from September 8 to 10, 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The three-day event will bring together tourism authorities, destinations, hospitality companies, airlines, travel technology firms, investors, buyers, and industry leaders from
international markets.
Vision 2030 Tourism Goals
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy by boosting tourism’s contribution to 10% of GDP and attracting 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by the end of the decade. Recent Ministry of Tourism figures reflect continued growth in tourist numbers and spending, supporting Saudi Arabia’s push to become a leading global tourism destination.
Official Statements on the Partnership
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director, UAE, at RX, the event organizer, said: “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.”
B2B2C Platform and Industry Collaboration
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is a B2B2C platform spanning the travel and tourism ecosystem that will create business connections and provide Saudi companies with access to global markets. The event supports investment, international partnerships, and collaboration across the tourism industry and highlights Saudi Arabia’s position as both an inbound and outbound travel market.
