Saudi Arabia is cementing its position as a global tourism powerhouse. This drive is backed by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda and a US$800 billion national investment plan for tourism giga-projects. To propel this growth, the first-ever WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring international travel leaders to the capital from 29 September to 1 October 2026.

The landmark event, set to take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC), will connect global and domestic travel communities to explore the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding inbound and outbound tourism markets. The Kingdom is targeting a 10% GDP contribution from tourism by 2030. Organisers anticipate the attendance of more than 450 exhibitors, 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 international hosted buyers, creating a catalyst for crucial partnerships, innovation, and investment. Key topics of discussion will include the future of Saudi tourism such as mobility, hospitality, technology, sustainability, and visitor experiences.

The tourism sector’s rapid growth is fuelled by significant government investment and a national diversification strategy. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts the sector will contribute over US$119 billion to the national economy in 2025. This figure accounts for over 10% of GDP and supports 2.7 million jobs. Furthermore, UNWTO data shows Saudi Arabia recorded the world’s highest growth in international tourism spending during the first quarter of 2025.

The Ministry of Tourism recently announced record results for the “Saudi Summer” 2025 programme, which welcomed over 32 million domestic and international visitors, marking a 26% increase compared with summer 2024. Tourist expenditure during this period reached SAR 53.2 billion (US$14.2 billion), reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market and WTM Spotlight Riyadh, said: “WTM Spotlight Riyadh will reflect the ambition and scale of the Kingdom’s tourism evolution. It will bring together Saudi and global travel leaders to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and explore new opportunities that strengthen the industry’s future. By hosting the event in Riyadh, we are creating a platform that highlights how Vision 2030 is transforming tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. Saudi Arabia’s progress is redefining the way the world experiences travel, and this event will showcase that transformation to a global audience.”

WTM Spotlight Riyadh will allow international buyers to experience Saudi Arabia directly, meet key stakeholders, and understand how Vision 2030 is transforming tourism, with curated itineraries and meetings introducing global planners to major projects and hospitality developments. Aviation is a key driver for tourism growth; the national strategy aims to increase direct air routes from 100 to 250 destinations and plans to triple passenger capacity to 330 million annually by 2030, supported by projects like Riyadh Air and King Salman International Airport.

The event will also spotlight the growing influence of Saudi travellers, whose outbound spending reached US$27.5 billion in 2025 and is forecast to hit US$47.8 billion by 2032, demonstrating a strong preference for four- and five-star accommodation. For international destinations, airlines, hoteliers, and travel providers, the event offers direct access to this valuable outbound market. Reflecting Vision 2030’s forward-looking approach, the event will also explore how travel technology, smart mobility, and innovation are redefining 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 transformation.

The hospitality sector is expanding significantly, with the Ministry of Tourism reporting an 89% year-on-year increase in licensed hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in early 2025, making the event a crucial meeting point for hotel groups, investors, and developers. Curtis added: “WTM Spotlight Riyadh is designed to create meaningful connections that drive the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions forward. It will showcase Saudi Arabia’s leadership in innovation, sustainability, and investment, and its growing influence within the global travel community.” WTM Spotlight Riyadh will coincide with Riyadh Season, an annual festival hosted as part of the Vision 2030 Quality of Life Programme, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the Kingdom’s vibrant cultural calendar. As part of the global WTM portfolio, the event will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role within the international tourism community.