Global travel executives and international partners support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030-driven transformation as Riyadh prepares to host a landmark industry gathering in September 2026.
Global industry leaders are mobilising behind Saudi Arabia tourism expansion ahead of WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026, as the Kingdom continues to surpass its Vision 2030 visitor targets. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and 71 partners concluded their participation at World Travel Market 2025 with record engagement and more than 30 memoranda of understanding signed with leading global brands. WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 is scheduled for 8-10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, and is expected to serve as a pivotal platform for showcasing the Kingdom’s expanding capacity for major conferences and global business gatherings, as noted on the event’s official website.
Official data from the Saudi Press Agency indicated that the Kingdom welcomed 116 million visitors in 2024, with 60.9 million arrivals recorded in the first half of 2025 alone, underscoring the rapid pace of Saudi tourism growth. The WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 forum, organised as part of the global World Travel Market portfolio, aims to connect international buyers, destinations, hotel groups, and airlines with Saudi stakeholders, featuring over 450 exhibitors and 6,500 visitors.
Abdullah Al-Haqbani, Chief of Partnerships and Executive Affairs at the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) , said the strong results build on the Kingdom’s visitor milestones and added that the new agreements signed at WTM 2025 will deepen international partnerships and fuel further sector growth. He also noted that STA will host the Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh, gathering over 1,000 global leaders from government, business, and technology to discuss industry challenges and attract investment.
Mordor Intelligence projected that Saudi Arabia’s MICE industry will expand at an annual growth rate of 9.82% through 2031, reaching an estimated value of US$5.65 billion. The Saudi pavilion at WTM 2025 drew more than 15,000 visitors. Saudi destinations also received several honours: Diriyah was recognised for offering the most authentic cultural experience, Qiddiya was honoured for its outstanding operational performance, and Madinah received the top overall award for excellence in presentation, culture, and operations.
With the tourism sector on track to contribute 10% of national GDP by 2030 and create over one million jobs, WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 is poised to serve as a catalyst for further international collaboration and investment. As industry leaders continue to align with the Kingdom’s ambitious transformation, the September gathering in Riyadh is expected to showcase how Saudi Arabia tourism expansion is redefining global travel through innovation, sustainability, and unprecedented infrastructure development.
Sources: Saudi Press Agency
