Shreya Shimpi
The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh marked the launch of a new international meeting place for the travel and tourism industry as Saudi Arabia continues its transformation into one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets under Vision 2030.
Organised by RX, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the event brought together destinations, tourism authorities, hospitality and experience providers, airlines, travel technology companies, travel buyers, investors and industry leaders, creating a focused environment for business, collaboration and knowledge exchange. Leading regional and international destinations and travel brands come together for three days of business, networking and knowledge exchange. The conference programme witnessed the convergence of senior Saudi and international voices to examine Vision 2030, outbound market opportunities and the future of connected travel experiences.
Under Vision 2030, tourism has become a key pillar of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, with the sector targeted to contribute 10% of GDP and Saudi Arabia aiming to welcome 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by the end of the decade.
Ageel AlShaibani, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “With tourism spending growing by 5% year-on-year in H1 2026, Saudi’s tourism fundamentals remain exceptionally strong, underscoring the depth and durability of our market. WTM Spotlight Riyadh brings that opportunity to life for our partners, connecting global travel buyers directly with the destinations, products and experiences shaping the future of tourism in Saudi. We look forward to deepening these relationships and unlocking new opportunities for the travel trade across the Kingdom.”
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX, said, “The opening of the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh is an important moment for us and for the international travel community. Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets, and we are delighted to bring the industry together here in Riyadh as the Kingdom continues its extraordinary transformation under Vision 2030.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh has been created to connect the world to Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia to the world. Over the next three days, our focus is on creating meaningful business connections, encouraging the exchange of ideas and giving international and Saudi travel businesses the opportunity to build relationships and explore new commercial opportunities”.
In an exclusive chat with BOTT, she said. “Vision 2030 is all about tourism transformation, and the launching of WTM Spotlight Riyadh comes at a perfect time. We hope this event aligns with this transformation. The diversification of Saudi Arabia and its significant investment in its infrastructure- from airports to the hospitality offerings is already quite visible. Events like these not only facilitate business exchange but also allow attendees to feel that momentum on the ground and experience it for themselves”
High-profile Saudi Arabian organisations exhibiting at WTM Spotlight Riyadh include, amongst others, Amsa Hospitality, Taiba Investments, flyadeal, Hilton KSA Hotels, and The Jeddah Edition. International brands including Accor,MSC Cruises, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways and Webook.com will join them.
The conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers such as Sultan Moraished, Chief of Technology and Corporate Excellence, Red Sea Global; HH Prince Saud Al Saud, Executive Director, TDF Grow, Tourism Development Fund; Mohamed Elbeheiry, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, EyeGo; and Njoud Al Yousef, Lead, Startups and SMEs Engagement, United Nations Global Compact.
During the panel discussion, ‘The $35BN Opportunity – How and Where to Capture Outbound Demand’, the participants outlined that although the Saudi outbound market is valued at approximately US$35 billion today, it could reach more than $60 billion by 2030–2034, putting it on par with the GDP of several smaller economies.
Through its distinctive B2B2C format, WTM Spotlight Riyadh successfully brought together the international travel community directly into the Saudi market, creating opportunities to understand evolving traveller demand, develop partnerships and experience first-hand the transformation taking place across the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
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