WTM Spotlight Riyadh has secured two high-profile partnerships for its inaugural edition, with Fairmont Ramla and Fairmont Riyadh confirmed as Official Hotel Partners and Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co. as the Official Journey Partner. The event, scheduled for 8–10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, is designed to connect Saudi Arabia's travel sector with global buyers and investors.
The collaboration underscores the event's ambition to serve as a leading B2B2C platform, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and boost tourism. Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director for UAE at RX, the event organiser, highlighted the significance of the partnerships: “The announcement of Fairmont Ramla and Fairmont Riyadh as our Official Hotel Partners and Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co. as our Official Journey Partner reflects the calibre of organisations supporting the launch of WTM Spotlight Riyadh.”
Strategic partnerships for a growing market
Fairmont's involvement brings two of its flagship Saudi properties to the fore. Muhieddine Zok, General Manager of Fairmont Riyadh, noted that the event arrives at a pivotal time for the capital, which is strengthening its position as a destination for business, leisure, and international tourism. Amine Bouhalba, General Manager of Fairmont Ramla, echoed this sentiment, stating that WTM Spotlight Riyadh “comes at a pivotal moment for the capital as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for business, leisure, and international tourism.”
Almosafer, a major Saudi travel company, will leverage its local expertise to facilitate connections between international travel businesses and the Kingdom's rapidly expanding market. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasising the opportunity to bridge global travel players with Saudi Arabia's growth story.
The event is expected to attract over 6,500 visitors and 150 international hosted buyers, with a programme focused on hospitality, transport, and technology. These themes align with the broader trends shaping Saudi tourism, including the rise of new hotel brands and the expansion of the national carrier. For instance, Riyadh Air's recent route additions underscore the Kingdom's aviation ambitions, while new luxury properties like The Red Palace are enhancing Riyadh's hospitality landscape.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global tourism hub, fostering business development and investment opportunities. The event's organisers have opened visitor registration for travel professionals eager to engage with this burgeoning market. As the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in tourism infrastructure, events like this are critical for facilitating partnerships and showcasing the country's potential to international stakeholders.
The partnership with Fairmont and Almosafer is a clear signal of the event's credibility and its alignment with the Kingdom's strategic objectives. With a strong line-up of hosted buyers and a targeted conference programme, WTM Spotlight Riyadh is set to become a key date in the Middle East travel calendar.
