RIYADH — WTM Spotlight Riyadh will open Tuesday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, bringing together Saudi and international travel industry representatives as the Kingdom expands its tourism sector under Vision 2030.
The inaugural three-day event, organized by RX, will run from Sept. 8-10 and connect Saudi tourism stakeholders with international destinations, travel buyers, brands and industry leaders.
Saudi Arabia has placed tourism at the center of its economic diversification strategy, with a goal of increasing the sector’s contribution to 10% of national GDP by the end of the decade. Investment in hospitality, aviation, infrastructure, culture, entertainment and destination development has accelerated as the Kingdom seeks to expand its international tourism market.
The Ministry of Tourism is serving as Strategic Partner for the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, supporting the event’s focus on tourism growth, international cooperation and the objectives of Vision 2030.
Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director for UAE at RX, said Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation is creating opportunities across both domestic and international markets.
“The pace and scale of change taking place in Saudi Arabia make this an incredibly exciting moment for the travel industry,” Curtis said. “Vision 2030 has created an environment where tourism, investment, infrastructure, and visitor experiences are developing together.”
The event will feature pre-arranged business meetings, networking opportunities and a three-day conference examining key trends in Saudi and international tourism.
The opening day’s program, under the theme “Driving Growth for Vision 2030,” will examine how tourism can contribute to long-term economic and social development.
The second day will focus on “Outbound Demand & Market Access,” examining the growing influence of Saudi travelers on international destinations and travel brands. The final day, themed “Elevated Experiences & Connected Destinations,” will explore the future of visitor experiences, including mobility, attractions, talent and technology.
The program reflects the two-way nature of Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism market. While the Kingdom is developing its appeal as an international destination, its growing population of travelers is also becoming an increasingly important market for destinations and travel companies worldwide.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is also supported by 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 platform for business meetings, industry discussions and international partnerships as Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism sector in line with Vision 2030.
