WTM Spotlight Riyadh Unveils Landmark Conference Agenda for Inaugural 2026 Event
The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh has officially unveiled its highly anticipated conference programme, setting the stage for a major gathering of international and regional tourism leaders. Scheduled to take place from 8–10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC), the three-day event is designed to bridge the gap between Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 growth targets and the realities of the rapidly evolving global tourism landscape.
The event promises a deep dive into the Kingdom’s visitor economy, moving from large-scale national agendas to the nuances of outbound travel, technological integration, and the cultivation of local talent.
“Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is developing at an extraordinary pace,” said Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX. “As the Kingdom advances its Vision 2030 ambitions, the conversation is increasingly about how that growth can translate into long-term economic value, exceptional visitor experiences and opportunities for communities across the country.”
A Three-Day Roadmap for Growth
The opening day, “Driving Growth for Vision 2030,” will focus on the macro-economic potential of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Key sessions include an analysis of demand and spending trends by Dave Goodger of Tourism Economics, alongside a high-profile CEO panel featuring leaders from Almosafer, Cruise Saudi, and flyadeal. Furthermore, the UN Tourism office will highlight strategies for rural development, ensuring that the country’s tourism expansion remains inclusive and culturally preservationist.
The second day shifts focus to the growing influence of the Saudi outbound market, themed “Outbound Demand & Market Access.” With a major panel titled “The $35BN Opportunity,” industry experts will explore how global travel brands can better capture the Saudi traveler’s interest. This day will also feature an Innovation Startup Showcase, exploring the financing of tourism’s future with contributions from Red Sea Global and the Tourism Development Fund of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a specialized session with Dragon Trail International will tackle the burgeoning opportunities within the Chinese travel market.
The final day, “Elevated Experiences & Connected Destinations,” will center on infrastructure and the integration of travel corridors. Discussions will span from the evolution of religious tourism and Umrah services to the transformative role of AI. Notably, Salman A. Alarifi from the Ministry of Tourism will join a panel on agentic AI, examining how the technology is set to revolutionize trip planning and personalized visitor experiences.
Beyond the conference stages, WTM Spotlight Riyadh is structured as a comprehensive B2B2C event, fostering direct commercial networking between airlines, hospitality providers, travel tech firms, and global buyers.
With visitor registration now officially open, the event marks a pivotal moment for travel professionals aiming to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing tourism markets. Those interested in participating or exhibiting are encouraged to secure their spots via the official WTM website.
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