Riyadh launches as a global tourist destination with the holding of the first session of the specialized WTM exhibition

Riyadh - Saudi Arabia

In the presence of an elite group of travel and tourism sector leaders, Aqeel Al Shaibani, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, officially opened the activities of the inaugural session of the “World Travel Market - Spotlight Riyadh” exhibition, on behalf of His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed Al Khatib. The exhibition, organized by RX Company, will be held until September 10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Convention Center, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism.

A platform that connects the Kingdom to the world and the world to the Kingdom

This event comes to be a new international platform that brings together the most prominent workers in the travel and tourism sectors, in conjunction with the qualitative transformation that the Kingdom is witnessing within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, as the vision aims for the sector to contribute 10% of the gross domestic product, and to receive 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

The exhibition includes more than 300 exhibitors and 6,500 visitors from the region and the world, in addition to 150 international buyers, which reflects the growing global interest in the Saudi tourism sector, which received 123 million tourists in 2025.
RX Word: A pivotal moment for the tourism sector

Commenting on the opening, Danielle Curtis, Regional Director of the RX Portfolio in the Emirates, confirmed that “Saudi Arabia is one of the most vibrant tourism markets in the world,” adding: “The World Travel Market-Spotlight Riyadh exhibition was launched to connect the world with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the world. Over the next three days, we will focus on building fruitful business relationships, encouraging the exchange of ideas, and providing the opportunity for international and Saudi tourism companies to build partnerships and explore new business opportunities.”

Promising opportunities for Arab investors and tourists
The exhibition represented a golden opportunity for Arab investors to learn about investment opportunities in the advanced Saudi tourism sector, especially in the community tourism sector, which is considered one of the most prominent axes of future growth, as dialogue sessions were devoted to investing in emerging tourist destinations. It also gives the Arab tourist the opportunity to learn about new and diverse tourism experiences, including cultural tourism in the Asir region, luxury destinations in the Red Sea projects, in addition to international resorts that keep pace with the aspirations of the Arab traveler searching for unique experiences.

A rich agenda discussing the future of tourism

The conference program, which extends over three days, includes qualitative topics: The first day focuses on “advancing growth to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030” with sessions discussing regulatory challenges, visas, and private sector participation. The second day is devoted to external demand and market access opportunities, while the last day reviews the role of innovation and modern technologies such as artificial intelligence in developing travel experiences and enhancing connectivity.