RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions and organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), World Travel Market (WTM), and WTM events in Cape Town and Sao Paulo, has officially announced the launch of WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia.
The new travel and tourism event is set to debut from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC).
The event will be the latest addition to the World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio and aims to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by facilitating international engagement in the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding tourism sector.
The three-day event will bring together over 450 exhibitors and 6,500 visitors, including 150 hosted international buyers focused on the Saudi market. WTM Spotlight is designed as a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) platform offering inbound and outbound opportunities, tailored networking, and direct engagement between global travel stakeholders and Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.
New Market Focus for the WTM Portfolio
WTM Spotlight represents a targeted evolution within the broader WTM brand, which includes flagship events in London, Dubai, Cape Town, and São Paulo. RX, the organiser of WTM events globally, said the new format allows for deeper exploration of specific markets and encourages meaningful connections through a curated programme of events, content, and cultural exchange.
“WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia represents an exciting new chapter for the WTM portfolio,” said Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX. “By creating events that delve deeper into a specific market, we offer regional and international stakeholders, as well as travel professionals, an unparalleled opportunity to build essential relationships, gain richer insights, uncover future travel trends and discover innovative new ways to connect the world.”
He added, “Saudi Arabia is the perfect location to launch this concept – its tourism sector is one of the most ambitious and fastest-growing in the world, and WTM Spotlight will play a pivotal role in supporting its development as a destination by connecting the world to Saudi, and Saudi to the world.”
Tourism Growth Driven by Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia has significantly accelerated its tourism sector under Vision 2030, a national plan to diversify the economy. The Ministry of Tourism aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from 3.8% in 2019 to 10% by 2030. The country also targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030. According to projections, the tourism market could grow from US$53.87 billion in 2024 to US$100.23 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%.
This transformation is supported by major investments in infrastructure and destination development, including giga-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Diriyah, Qiddiya, and Roshn. Aviation expansion is also a key pillar, with the planned launch of Riyadh Air and a strategy to triple passenger capacity to 330 million annually by 2030.
Event Features and Industry Engagement
WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will offer a comprehensive experience with regional and international exhibitors, business meetings, and cultural immersion. It will also feature a conference programme with thought leaders discussing trends in connectivity, innovation, and consumer behaviour in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
International buyers will gain access to new products and insights into integrating Saudi destinations into their offerings, while Saudi consumers will be able to connect with global travel brands to plan personalised journeys. RX’s Smart Event tools will support participants in generating leads, accessing data-driven insights, and maximising commercial value.
“WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will showcase the best elements of our events – curated business connections, authentic cultural experiences, thought-leading content, and direct consumer engagement – all within one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly developing tourism markets,” said Zhygalo.
The event is positioned to complement the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai by focusing on Saudi Arabia’s domestic market and growing outbound travel segment. WTM Spotlight aims to strengthen regional collaboration and elevate the Kingdom’s status as a key player in global tourism.
