WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 will take place from September 8 to 10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre (RFECC), featuring a conference agenda developed in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. The event program is centered on advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism goals, with primary themes including tourism growth, outbound travel, connectivity, visitor services, workforce development, and digital innovation.
Day 1 Focus on Vision 2030 Growth
The conference’s opening day, titled “Driving Growth for Vision 2030,” includes presentations on tourism’s role in sustainable regional development. Samer Al-Kharashi from UN Tourism will address tourism’s impact on economic advancement and protection of cultural and natural
assets. A collaboration segment highlights community-based tourism with UN Tourism and Chemonics International. Dave Goodger, Managing Director for EMEA at Tourism Economics, will analyze tourism demand, spending, and evolving traveler patterns. Additionally, a CEO forum will convene executives from Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co, Cruise Saudi, and flyadeal to discuss resilience in travel, aviation, and accommodation sectors.
Day 2 Highlights Outbound Demand and Market Access
The second day centers on Saudi Arabia’s outbound travel market. A Super Panel titled “The $35BN Opportunity – How and Where to Capture Outbound Demand” will explore strategies for tourism destinations and companies to attract Saudi travelers abroad. Other sessions will review the
MICE segment and premium travel experiences, showcase innovations from UN Tourism’s Startup Showcase, evaluate sector funding prospects, and assess impacts of the Approved Destination Status on Chinese tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. Wellness travel trends are also included in the agenda.
Day 3 Covers Connectivity, Experiences, and AI
Day three’s theme “Elevated Experiences & Connected Destinations” addresses integrated tourism routes involving air, sea, rail, and road to enhance visitor experiences. Discussion topics include entertainment, heritage attractions, sports tourism, faith-based travel, and the evolving nature of Umrah and pilgrimage visits. The event’s final session focuses on agentic artificial intelligence and its influence on travel planning, personalized recommendations, and customer
service.
WTM Riyadh Bridges Saudi and Global Tourism Sectors
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director for the UAE at RX, noted Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is rapidly expanding, producing significant investment opportunities and destination development. As Vision 2030 progresses, emphasis will be on sustaining economic value, delivering quality visitor experiences, and benefiting local communities. The event will connect Saudi Arabia’s tourism market to international networks through conferences, meetings, and deal-making, addressing areas such as policy, outbound demand, connectivity, workforce skills, and technological innovation.
