Tag Archives: Riyadh

As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the first WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will convene global travel leaders in Riyadh from 29 September to 1 October 2026. The event will unite over 450 exhibitors, 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 international hosted buyers, serving as a catalyst for partnerships, innovation, and investment. It will offer a platform for industry leaders to focus on inbound and outbound travel conversations by exploring the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism, including mobility, hospitality, technology, sustainability, and visitor experiences. The landmark event will connect international and Saudi travel communities to explore the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding inbound and outbound tourism markets. Set against the backdrop of the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism targets, which include a 10% GDP contribution from tourism by 2030, the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh will take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC). Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is growing rapidly, driven by significant government investment and a national diversification strategy. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the sector will contribute more than US$119 billion to the national economy in 2025, accounting for over 10% of GDP and supporting 2.7 million jobs. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Saudi Arabia recorded the world’s highest growth in international tourism spending during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the country’s success in attracting new visitors and investment. The Ministry of Tourism recently announced record-breaking results for the “Saudi Summer” 2025 programme, which attracted more than 32 million domestic and international visitors, representing a 26% increase compared with summer 2024. Tourist expenditure during the period reached SAR 53.2 billion (US$14.2 billion), marking a 15% year-on-year growth. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, …

Arsenale S.p.A., Italy’s leading company in the development of high-end hospitality experiences by rail, announced a major milestone in the creation of Dream of the Desert, the first ultra-luxury train Made in Italy that will operate in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026. The agreement establishes a strategic framework to support the financing for the development of the project, as well as contributing to its global positioning, marking a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s evolution as a global destination for experiential and sustainable tourism. Dream of the Desert will feature 33 luxurious cabins designed to host up to 66 passengers, combining the highest standards of Italian design and craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology and sustainable innovation. The train will travel along an extraordinary 1,300-kilometer route from Riyadh to the north of the country, unveiling the Kingdom’s hidden natural and cultural treasures through an immersive journey that blends elegance, comfort, and discovery. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Arsenale S.p.A. and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) was signed during the opening day of TOURISE 2025, the leading international event for luxury travel held in Riyadh. In his statement, Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund said: “Our partnership with Arsenale marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to redefine global luxury tourism. Dream of the Desert is more than a world-class travel experience, it is a bridge between cultures, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage through the elegance of Italian craftsmanship. At TDF, we are proud to enable pioneering projects like this, which bring innovation, sustainability, and investment into the tourism sector while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a distinctive and inspiring destination for discerning travelers worldwide.” “With Dream of …

The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly opened in Riyadh, marking a historic first for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the largest Assembly since UN Tourism was founded 50 years ago. Around 160 delegations from member states including ministers, senior officials, and leaders from across industry and civil society are coming together to celebrate five decades of international collaboration under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.” The Assembly is hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, with extensive cooperation and planning alongside UN Tourism and a wide range of partners. This collaboration underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing the industry and facilitating impactful dialogue on the global stage. For half a century, UN Tourism has advanced economic opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and peace through travel. With the sector’s rapid digital transformation reshaping how people discover, book, and experience destinations, this year’s Assembly focuses on ensuring AI serves people and places supporting jobs, small businesses, destination stewardship, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Over the coming days, delegates will participate in four plenary sessions, numerous meetings of seven specialized committees, and the 124th and 125th sessions of the Executive Council – the organization’s highest executive body. The agenda is designed to foster discussions on how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can accelerate sustainable, inclusive growth and deepen international cooperation in tourism. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: “Saudi Arabia is proud to welcome the world to the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly as we celebrate 50 years of UN Tourism’s global cooperation and shared progress. This week marks a defining moment for our industry — a chance to shape how tourism grows in the decades …

Set to open in Riyadh by June 2027, IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan is developed in partnership with Wahat Sudair Hotels Company Limited, and will feature 216 modern guestrooms, designed to blend comfort and functionality, ideal for discerning travellers. Guests will enjoy a range of dining options, including a sumptuous all-day dining restaurant and its signature café – The Breakery, where lively urban energy meets the IntercityHotel brand’s German roots. The hotel will also feature a dynamic range of amenities, including an expansive ballroom, eight versatile meeting rooms, fully equipped gym, and swimming pool.  Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President and Head of Development, Middle East, India & Africa H World International, stated: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a driving force in our expansion strategy and an important source market with significant growth potential. We are committed to addressing the evolving needs of our discerning guests, and the launch of IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan, our second IntercityHotel in Riyadh, underscores the confidence and trust placed in our brands in the region. As our seventh IntercityHotel in the Middle East, the new hotel will showcase both the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to delivering a harmonious fusion of young and fresh aesthetics, coupled with unparalleled functionality and long-term commitment to shaping Riyadh’s hospitality landscape.” The signing of IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan aligns with H World International’s ambitious expansion plans, which focus on diversifying its presence through new signings across the region. This reflects the rising demand from both leisure and business travellers, particularly from key source markets such as Germany and China. Addressing this demand, H World International has already welcomed guests to the IntercityHotel brand in the region including IntercityHotel …