WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 to Connect Global Travel Leaders and Advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Tourism Goals
As Saudi Arabia progresses with its Vision 2030 agenda, the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring together international travel leaders in the capital from September 29 to October 1, 2026. The event aims to strengthen connections between global and Saudi travel communities while exploring the country’s expanding inbound and outbound tourism markets.
Set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s tourism goals, including a 10% GDP contribution from tourism by 2030, WTM Spotlight Riyadh will be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC).
The event will host over 450 exhibitors, 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 international hosted buyers, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and investment. Industry leaders will discuss key areas shaping Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape, such as mobility, hospitality, technology, sustainability, and visitor experiences.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues to expand, supported by government investment and national diversification efforts. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry is expected to contribute US$119 billion to the national economy in 2025, representing over 10% of GDP and supporting 2.7 million jobs. The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) reported that Saudi Arabia recorded the highest global growth in international tourism spending during the first quarter of 2025.
The Ministry of Tourism also announced record results for the “Saudi Summer” 2025 programme, which welcomed more than 32 million domestic and international visitors, marking a 26% year-on-year increase. Visitor spending reached SAR 53.2 billion (approximately US$14.2 billion), reflecting a 15% annual increase.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market and WTM Spotlight Riyadh, said: “WTM Spotlight Riyadh will reflect the scale and ambition of Saudi Arabia’s tourism development. It will bring together local and international travel professionals to exchange insights, build partnerships, and explore opportunities that support the industry’s growth. By hosting the event in Riyadh, we aim to highlight how Vision 2030 is shaping tourism, investment, and cultural collaboration.”
The event will enable international buyers to engage directly with Saudi tourism stakeholders and gain insights into the country’s evolving travel ecosystem. Tailored itineraries and meetings will introduce participants to major tourism projects, new attractions, improved infrastructure, and hospitality developments.
Aviation development remains central to Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy, which aims to increase direct air routes from 100 to 250 destinations and triple annual passenger capacity to 330 million by 2030. Key projects include Riyadh Air and King Salman International Airport, both designed to strengthen connectivity for inbound and outbound travellers.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh will also focus on the growing impact of Saudi outbound travellers, whose increasing travel activity and spending are shaping markets across regions. The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 indicates that residents of the Middle East account for 10% of global outbound travel, while representing less than 5% of the worldwide population. Saudi travellers spend an average of US$4,800 per international trip, with a preference for premium accommodation. Outbound spending from Saudi Arabia, valued at US$27.5 billion in 2025, is projected to reach US$47.8 billion by 2032, according to Coherent Market Insights.
For international destinations, airlines, and travel providers, the event will provide access to Saudi buyers and consumers seeking authentic, sustainable, and high-quality travel experiences.
In line with Vision 2030, WTM Spotlight Riyadh will also examine how technology, smart mobility, and innovation are transforming the visitor experience. The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 projects that total tourism expenditure in the Middle East will reach US$350 billion by 2030, driven by digital advancement and regional collaboration.
Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector continues to grow to meet visitor demand, with an 89% year-on-year increase in licensed accommodation reported by the Ministry of Tourism in early 2025. WTM Spotlight Riyadh will offer a platform for hotel groups, investors, and developers to explore opportunities within this rapidly evolving market.
“WTM Spotlight Riyadh aims to create meaningful industry connections that support Saudi Arabia’s tourism objectives. The event will highlight the country’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and investment while strengthening its role in the global travel network,” Curtis added.
Coinciding with Riyadh Season, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Quality of Life Programme, the event will allow participants to experience the Kingdom’s diverse cultural and entertainment offerings. As part of the global WTM portfolio, which includes WTM London, WTM Africa, WTM Latin America, and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), WTM Spotlight Riyadh will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position within the international tourism community by connecting destinations, brands, and buyers worldwide.
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