WTM Spotlight Riyadh unveils conference program

WTM Spotlight Riyadh has unveiled the conference program for its inaugural edition, bringing together international and regional tourism leaders to explore the opportunities offered by Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism economy.

The three-day program, which will take place from 8 to 10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center (RFECC), will move from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 growth agenda to the growing influence of Saudi outbound travelers, before addressing the role of connectivity, experience, talent and technology in the next phase of tourism development.

The opening day, themed “Stimulating Growth for Vision 2030”, will explore how Saudi Arabia can turn continued tourism growth into long-term economic and social value.

Samer Al-Harashi, director of the UN Regional Tourism Office for the Middle East, will draw on the latest research on rural development to explore how tourism can accelerate regional growth while preserving culture and nature, enhancing community inclusivity and improving quality of life.

UN Tourism will also collaborate with Chemonics International on the project “From Villages to Value Chains – Developing Community Based Tourism”. The session will explore how local visitor experiences can generate long-term economic benefits for communities and support sustainable tourism ecosystems. Speakers will include Mohamed Almandiel, Director General of Events and Heritage Programs at the Ministry of Culture.

The economic reasons for the growth of tourism in the Kingdom will be examined by Dave Goodger, Managing Director EMEA at Tourism Economics, part of Oxford Economics. Goodger will assess the latest demand, spending and volume trends and identify where valuable inbound and domestic tourism opportunities are emerging.

The group of CEOs will look at sustainability and adaptability in the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors. It will comprise Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer, Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co; Taha Nazer, Acting CEO of Cruise Saudi; and Sanjeev Kapoor, interim CEO of Flyadeal.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX, said: “Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is growing at an extraordinary pace, creating opportunities for investment, destination development and the wider visitor economy. As the Kingdom moves forward with its Vision 2030 ambitions, there is growing conversation about how this growth can translate into long-term economic value, exceptional visitor experiences and opportunities for communities across the country.
“WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring together international experience, research and perspectives from those actively shaping the sector. From policy and regional development to external demand, mobility, technology and talent, the program will explore issues impacting the next phase of growth, while strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and the global tourism industry.”

The second day will focus on external demand and market access, reflecting the growing importance of Saudi Arabia as a global source market.

Special Superpanel: “$35 Billion Opportunity – How and Where to Meet Outbound Demand” will look at how destinations and travel brands can convert Saudi Arabia’s significant outbound demand into market share. It will feature Turab Salim, CEO of Perfetti Hospitality, and Faisal Alraji, co-founder and CEO of almatar. MICE and luxury travel will also be featured, including what Saudi Arabia needs beyond its venue offering to compete for international business events, and how luxury travel is moving towards more immersive, culturally relevant and purpose-driven experiences.

UN Tourism will host an innovative startup showcase entitled “How the Kingdom is Building the Most Ambitious Tourism Ecosystem”, which will feature opening remarks and a UN Tourism keynote, as well as a panel discussion on financing the future of tourism with experts from Red Sea Global, Eye Go and the Saudi Arabian Tourism Development Fund.

A special China-Saudi session with Dragon Trail International will assess the growing travel opportunities in China following Saudi Arabia’s approval as an approved destination, while other discussions will focus on the destinations that are attracting Saudi travelers and the growing role of wellness in premium travel.

The final day, themed “Excellent Experiences and Connected Destinations,” will focus on transforming tourism and infrastructure investments into better visitor experiences.
Sessions will explore how airline, cruise, rail and road networks can create integrated travel corridors, and Muhammad Bassrawi, Qiddiya’s director of marketing and destinations, will discuss how attractions, entertainment, events and culture can combine to create more engaging travel experiences for visitors.

Sports tourism will be the subject of discussions about turning major events into year-round demand and repeat visits. A special session on religious tourism will look at the evolution of Umrah and pilgrimage through improved services, mobility and digital systems, and opportunities to encourage longer stays.

Concluding the conference, Salman A. Alarifi, General Manager of Technology Development at the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism, will join the discussion on the growing role of agent-based artificial intelligence in travel. The session will explore how technology can simplify travel planning, tailor recommendations and support travelers throughout the journey, transforming the way consumers discover, book and enjoy travel experiences in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh was created to connect the world to Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia to the world. In addition to the conference program, the B2B2C event will bring together destinations, hospitality providers, airlines, attractions, travel technology companies, buyers and consumers through business meetings, networking and commercial opportunities.

Visitor registration for WTM Spotlight Riyadh is now open and travel professionals are invited to take their place at the inaugural event and directly engage with one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world. For questions about exhibitors, please click here.