Tag Archives: 150 international hosted buyers

As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the first WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will convene global travel leaders in Riyadh from 29 September to 1 October 2026. The event will unite over 450 exhibitors, 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 international hosted buyers, serving as a catalyst for partnerships, innovation, and investment. It will offer a platform for industry leaders to focus on inbound and outbound travel conversations by exploring the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism, including mobility, hospitality, technology, sustainability, and visitor experiences. The landmark event will connect international and Saudi travel communities to explore the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding inbound and outbound tourism markets. Set against the backdrop of the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism targets, which include a 10% GDP contribution from tourism by 2030, the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh will take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC). Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is growing rapidly, driven by significant government investment and a national diversification strategy. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the sector will contribute more than US$119 billion to the national economy in 2025, accounting for over 10% of GDP and supporting 2.7 million jobs. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Saudi Arabia recorded the world’s highest growth in international tourism spending during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the country’s success in attracting new visitors and investment. The Ministry of Tourism recently announced record-breaking results for the “Saudi Summer” 2025 programme, which attracted more than 32 million domestic and international visitors, representing a 26% increase compared with summer 2024. Tourist expenditure during the period reached SAR 53.2 billion (US$14.2 billion), marking a 15% year-on-year growth. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, …

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