WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 is scheduled for September 8-10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event is organized through a strategic partnership between the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and RX, targeting growth in global tourism investment and sector development aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Conference Agenda Emphasizes Vision 2030 and Market Dynamics
The conference program spans three days, each with distinct themes addressing Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion. Day 1, titled Driving Growth for Vision 2030, examines how tourism can generate lasting economic and societal benefits. Day 2 focuses on Outbound Demand & Market Access, spotlighting Saudi Arabia as an emerging
global source market for outbound travel, including a Super Panel on the $35 billion opportunity to capture outbound Saudi spending. Day 3 addresses Elevated Experiences & Connected Destinations, covering infrastructure, capital investment, integrated transport and tourism routes, and evolving pilgrimage travel.
Notable Participants Highlight Regional, Economic, and Sectoral Perspectives
UN Tourism, represented by Samer Al-Kharashi, will address how tourism drives regional development while safeguarding cultural and natural resources and enhancing community involvement. UN Tourism will partner with Chemonics International in sessions on community-based tourism. Dave Goodger, Managing Director for EMEA at Tourism Economics, will analyze tourism demand, spending, and traveler patterns to identify new opportunities in domestic and
international markets. A CEO forum will feature leaders from Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co, Cruise Saudi, and flyadeal discussing resilience in travel, aviation, and accommodation sectors.
Saudi Vision 2030 Tourism Strategy and Numeric Targets
Saudi Arabia aims to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP to 10% and attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030 through its Vision 2030 strategy. WTM Spotlight Riyadh supports this by fostering business connections and knowledge exchange to convert tourism growth into sustainable economic value and enhanced visitor experiences.
Official Statements Reflect Ambitions and Event Objectives
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director UAE at RX, stated the partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism underscores the Kingdom’s intent to play
a larger role in global tourism’s future. She highlighted that WTM Spotlight Riyadh is designed to enable meaningful business connections, encourage idea exchange, and give international travel professionals direct access to Saudi Arabia’s market.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh Connects Saudi and Global Tourism Markets
The event functions as a B2B2C platform linking Saudi tourism authorities, destinations, hospitality firms, airlines including flyadeal, travel technology providers, investors, buyers, and industry leaders. It facilitates conferences, scheduled meetings, networking, and deals aimed at expanding Saudi Arabia’s inbound and outbound tourism presence.
Event Details and Unknowns
The event will take place at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre from September 8 to 10, 2026. Specific attendance and exhibitor figures
for WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 have not been disclosed. Details on investment amounts or precise scheduling of individual sessions beyond the announced themes remain unavailable at this time.
