The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has become the strategic partner for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh event, announced on September 13, 2026. The travel industry conference will be held from September 8 to 10, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Event Aims and Participants
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 is designed to connect international tourism businesses with the Saudi market and open Saudi companies to global tourism networks. The three-day event will assemble tourism authorities, destinations, hospitality companies, airlines, travel technology firms, investors, buyers, and industry leaders to explore business and investment opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s tourism
sector.
Saudi Vision 2030 and Tourism Targets
Tourism is a major component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. The Kingdom seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) and attract 150 million domestic and international visitors each year by 2030. Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism shows sustained growth in visitor numbers and spending, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s strategy to expand its global tourism footprint.
Official Statements on the Partnership
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director, UAE, at RX—the event organizer—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 that the event is aimed at creating meaningful business connections, promoting the exchange of ideas, and providing direct access to one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets.
Tourism Market Context
WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 will serve as a business-to-business-to-consumer platform facilitating partnerships between Saudi and international companies. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s goal to attract investment and deepen international cooperation across the tourism sector as it develops its infrastructure and global market presence.
