WTM Spotlight Riyadh has unveiled the conference programme for its inaugural edition, scheduled to take place from 8-10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC), bringing together international and regional tourism leaders to explore opportunities arising from Saudi Arabia's rapidly expanding visitor economy.
The three-day agenda will progress from the Kingdom's Vision 2030 growth agenda to the increasing influence of Saudi outbound travellers, and then to the role of connectivity, experiences, talent, and technology in the next phase of tourism development, according to the organisers.
The opening day, themed 'Driving Growth for Vision 2030', will feature Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the Regional Office for the Middle East at UN Tourism, who will discuss how tourism can accelerate regional growth while preserving culture and nature. UN Tourism will also partner with Chemonics International for a session on community tourism, with speakers including Mohammed Almandiel from the Ministry of Culture.
Dave Goodger from Tourism Economics will assess demand, spending, and volume trends, while a CEO panel featuring leaders from Almosafer, Cruise Saudi, and flyadeal will address resilience across tourism, aviation, and hospitality. Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX, said: "Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is developing at an extraordinary pace, creating opportunities across investment, destination development and the wider visitor economy."
The second day will focus on outbound demand and market access, including a super panel on the $35 billion opportunity to capture Saudi outbound travel. The programme will also cover policy, luxury, innovation, sports and religious tourism, talent development, and AI, with participation from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Federation of Saudi Chambers, Cruise Saudi, flyadeal, Almosafer, Red Sea Global, Qiddiya, and the Royal Commission for AlUla.