WTM Spotlight Riyadh has opened in the Saudi capital, creating a new platform to connect the Kingdom’s growing tourism industry with international travel businesses, destinations and industry leaders.
The inaugural event, organised by RX, is taking place from September 8 to 10, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC).
The event is designed to provide international travel companies with direct access to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing tourism market, while enabling Saudi tourism stakeholders to build partnerships with global destinations, brands, travel buyers and industry experts.
The Ministry of Tourism is serving as Strategic Partner for the inaugural edition, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions under Vision 2030.
Tourism investment drives new opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has become a central part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, with the government targeting a 10 per cent contribution to national GDP by the end of the decade.
Investment in hospitality, aviation, infrastructure, culture, entertainment and destination development is creating opportunities across the tourism value chain and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in the global travel market.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX, said the pace and scale of change in Saudi Arabia had created significant opportunities for the international travel industry.
She said WTM Spotlight Riyadh was established to provide a dedicated environment where businesses could understand the market, exchange knowledge, develop relationships and convert discussions into commercial partnerships.
“Tomorrow represents the beginning of that journey,” Curtis said, adding that the organisers wanted the event to evolve alongside Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and become an increasingly important platform for connecting Saudi and international travel businesses.
Conference to examine tourism growth
The three-day programme will combine pre-arranged business meetings and networking opportunities with discussions on the trends shaping tourism in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
The opening day will focus on “Driving Growth for Vision 2030”, examining how tourism development can generate long-term economic and social value.
The second day will address “Outbound Demand & Market Access”, with discussions on the growing influence of Saudi travellers on destinations and travel brands around the world.
The final day, themed “Elevated Experiences & Connected Destinations,” will examine the future visitor journey, including mobility, attractions, talent and technology.
According to the organisers, the programme reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of Saudi Arabia’s inbound and outbound tourism opportunities.
As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its international visitor proposition, Saudi travellers are also becoming an increasingly important audience for destinations and travel companies worldwide.
Strategic partnerships
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is supported by partners across Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem, including Fairmont Ramla and Fairmont Riyadh as Official Hotel Partners, and Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co. as Official Journey Partner.
The event is expected to provide a meeting point for businesses seeking to respond to opportunities created by Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation, while supporting the wider objectives of Vision 2030.
The organisers said the combination of commercial exchange, industry insight and international collaboration would help establish the event as a platform for sustained partnerships beyond the three-day programme.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is scheduled to run until September 10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
