Saudi Arabia tourism growth highlighted at WTM Spotlight Riyadh

The World Travel Market (WTM) Spotlight Riyadh exhibition showcased the rapid expansion and resilience of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Data from STR indicated an 8 % year‑on‑year rise in visitor arrivals in Q1 2026, reaching 37.2 million, with tourist spending of 82.7 billion riyals, while domestic tourism grew 16 %.

The event highlighted that megaprojects in Riyadh are expected to spur a surge in demand by 2027, aiming to match 2025 levels by February. Saudi officials noted that the Kingdom welcomed almost 123 million domestic and international visitors in 2025, generating over 304 billion riyals in spend and exceeding Vision 2030 tourism targets ahead of schedule. Danielle Curtis, regional portfolio director for the UAE at RX, said the sector “has consistently demonstrated extraordinary resilience, adaptation and growth,” crediting Vision 2030 and ongoing infrastructure investment for the sector’s strength.