Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) CEO Ageel AlShaibani has officially opened the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 on behalf of Minister of Tourism H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, marking the debut of a new international gathering for the travel and tourism industry as the Kingdom advances its tourism transformation under Vision 2030.
Organized by RX and running until Thursday, September 10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC), the event is held in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, bringing together destinations, tourism authorities, hospitality and experience providers, airlines, travel technology firms, buyers, investors, and industry leaders in a focused setting for business, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
With tourism spending growing 5% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, AlShaibani highlighted the strength of Saudi Arabia's tourism market, noting that the sector is targeted to contribute 10% of GDP and aims to welcome 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by the end of the decade. He said: "WTM Spotlight Riyadh brings that opportunity to life for our partners, connecting global travel buyers directly with the destinations, products and experiences shaping the future of tourism in Saudi."
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX, described the opening as a milestone for the international travel community, emphasizing the event's role in connecting the world to Saudi Arabia and vice versa. The exhibition floor features high-profile Saudi organizations including Amsa Hospitality, Taiba Investments, flyadeal, Hilton KSA Hotels, and The Jeddah Edition, alongside international brands such as Accor, MSC Cruises, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, and Webook.com.
The three-day conference programme brings together Saudi and international tourism leaders to explore trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the Kingdom's visitor economy and the broader global travel industry, with the opening day focusing on driving growth.