https://www.travelsdubai.com/ RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has launched WTM Spotlight Riyadh, a new international tourism platform bringing global travel brands, buyers and industry leaders together as the Kingdom accelerates its push to become a leading global tourism market under Vision 2030.

Opened by Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Ageel AlShaibani on behalf of Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the inaugural three-day event runs until Thursday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. Organised by RX in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, it is designed to connect international travel businesses directly with Saudi destinations, tourism products and investment opportunities.

The launch comes as tourism spending in Saudi Arabia rose 5 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, while the Kingdom targets tourism contributing 10 percent of GDP and aims to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by the end of the decade.

WTM Spotlight Riyadh brings together destinations, tourism authorities, hotels, airlines, travel technology firms, experience providers, buyers and investors for three days of business meetings, networking and industry discussions.

Saudi tourism

AlShaibani said tourism spending increased 5 percent year-on-year during the first half of 2026, highlighting the strength of the Saudi market.

He said WTM Spotlight Riyadh would connect international travel buyers with the destinations, products and experiences being developed across Saudi Arabia, while helping industry partners deepen relationships and identify new opportunities across the Kingdom.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director - UAE at RX, said the inaugural event marked an important moment for the international travel community as Saudi Arabia undergoes a major transformation under Vision 2030.

She said the event had been created to connect the world with Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia with the world, with its first edition focused on business connections, knowledge exchange and commercial partnerships between Saudi and international travel businesses.

The exhibition floor covers a broad range of the travel industry, including destinations, hotels, attractions, transport, experiences and travel technology.

Saudi exhibitors include Amsa Hospitality, Taiba Investments, flyadeal, Hilton KSA Hotels and The Jeddah Edition. International brands taking part include Accor, MSC Cruises, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways and Webook.com.

Conference agenda

The accompanying conference programme brings together senior Saudi and international speakers to examine the opportunities and challenges facing the Kingdom's visitor economy and the wider global travel sector.

The opening day's programme focuses on driving growth under Vision 2030. A policy panel on regulation, visas and private-sector participation features representatives from the International Congress and Convention Association, Federation of Saudi Chambers, Saudi Motorsport Company and Vialto Partners Middle East.

Wednesday's programme will focus on outbound demand and market access, reflecting Saudi Arabia's growing importance as an international source market.

The Innovation Startup Showcase will examine how the Kingdom is developing its tourism ecosystem through innovation and investment. Speakers include Sultan Moraished of Red Sea Global, Prince Saud Al Saud of the Tourism Development Fund, EyeGo founder Mohamed Elbeheiry and Njoud Al Yousef of the United Nations Global Compact.

The final day on Thursday will focus on experiences, connectivity and technologies shaping the next phase of tourism development. Sessions will examine mobility, artificial intelligence, destination experiences and innovation.

Salman A. Alarifi, General Manager of Technology Enablement at the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia, will lead a session on artificial intelligence, exploring how AI can enable greater personalisation and connectivity in tourism.

Through its B2B2C format, WTM Spotlight Riyadh aims to give international travel businesses direct access to the Saudi market while providing opportunities to understand changing traveller demand and develop commercial partnerships as the Kingdom's tourism sector continues to expand.