The WTM Spotlight Riyadh event, held from 8 to 10 September at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, is set to highlight the resilience and growth of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector. The event aims to connect global industry leaders with Saudi Arabia, fostering long-term growth through strategic partnerships and collaboration.

Exclusive insights from STR reveal the strength of Saudi Arabia's tourism and hospitality sector, driven by strong domestic demand and ongoing investment. Notably, Jeddah has experienced a surge in demand since March 2026, attributed to its coastal location. This has led to upward revisions in growth forecasts, with expectations for continued recovery into 2027.

New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) confirms that no destination has suffered permanent collapse following a crisis. Instead, recovery often leads to stronger growth. In Q1 2026, Saudi Arabia saw an 8% year-on-year increase in visitors, reaching 37.2 million, with tourism spending hitting $22.1 billion (82.7 billion Saudi Riyals). Domestic tourism also rose by 16%, reflecting strong local engagement.

Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director at RX, stated, "The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is a remarkable example of resilience, supported by Vision 2030 and continuous investment in infrastructure, aviation, and hospitality."

The event will host over 6,500 regional and international visitors and 150 invited international buyers, creating a dedicated marketplace for industry leaders to exchange ideas and forge partnerships. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.