Saudi Arabia has become a prime destination for industry-leading conferences focused on tourism and hospitality. With the Kingdom’s growing influence on global tourism through projects like Vision 2030, professionals in the tourism, hospitality, and educational tourism sectors will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge discussions, network with industry experts, and explore the latest trends and innovations. In this article, we highlight five major conferences happening in September 2024 across Saudi Arabia, bringing the world’s attention to key developments in tourism, hospitality, and educational tourism.
1. International Conference on Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ICTHS) | Science Cite
- Date: 18 September 2024
- Venue: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Organizer: Science Cite
The International Conference on Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ICTHS), organized by Science Cite, will take place in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on 18 September 2024. This conference is a significant platform for academics, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss innovations, strategies, and challenges in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure, with projects like NEOM and AlUla, will feature prominently in discussions on sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance visitor experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to explore research presentations on hospitality management, eco-tourism, and digital transformation in tourism services.
This conference also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and reducing its dependence on oil by developing sectors such as tourism. As Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, ICTHS will offer participants a deep dive into how the Kingdom is shaping the future of tourism.
2. International Conference on Educational Tourism, Activities, and Tours (ICETAT) | Scholars Forum
- Date: 20 September 2024
- Venue: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Organizer: Scholars Forum
Taking place just two days after ICTHS, the International Conference on Educational Tourism, Activities, and Tours (ICETAT) will explore the intersection of education and tourism. The Scholars Forum is organizing this conference to bring together educators, tour operators, and travel agencies to examine how tourism can be used as an educational tool. Educational tourism, often referred to as “learning through travel,” has been gaining traction globally, with more students and organizations integrating travel into their learning experiences.
In the context of Saudi Arabia, where historical sites such as Diriyah and AlUla are becoming increasingly popular, this conference will explore how educational tourism can be expanded within the Kingdom. The sessions will cover topics like educational tours, heritage site exploration, and eco-learning activities. For professionals in educational tourism, ICETAT provides a fantastic opportunity to network and discuss best practices.
3. International Conference on Tourism Education and Training (ICTEAT) | Science Cite
- Date: 24 September 2024
- Venue: Medina, Saudi Arabia
- Organizer: Science Cite
The International Conference on Tourism Education and Training (ICTEAT), held in Medina on 24 September 2024, will focus on tourism education, skills development, and workforce training in the hospitality industry. Organized by Science Cite, the conference aims to bring together educational institutions, government bodies, and tourism professionals to discuss how tourism training programs can be improved to meet the growing demands of the global tourism market.
Given Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to attract millions of international tourists annually, workforce training in the tourism and hospitality sector is essential to ensure high-quality service delivery. ICTEAT will address the gaps in current educational frameworks and training programs while exploring innovative solutions for empowering young professionals in tourism-related careers. Discussions will also touch on how new technologies like AI and augmented reality (AR) can be integrated into tourism education, ensuring that the Kingdom’s workforce is equipped to handle the evolving needs of the industry.
This conference provides an opportunity for institutions and tourism businesses to collaborate on curriculum development, skill-building, and policy recommendations that will shape the future of tourism education in Saudi Arabia.
4. International Conference on Advances in Tourism Economics (ICATE) | Research Foundation
- Date: 25 September 2024
- Venue: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Organizer: Research Foundation
The International Conference on Advances in Tourism Economics (ICATE) will be held in Dammam on 25 September 2024. This conference is organized by the Research Foundation and will focus on the economic aspects of tourism, with a particular emphasis on tourism’s contribution to GDP, job creation, and sustainable development.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 highlights tourism as a critical economic driver, and ICATE will provide a platform for economists, tourism professionals, and policymakers to discuss economic strategies for sustainable tourism growth. Key topics will include tourism investments, economic models for tourism development, and tourism’s impact on local economies.
As Saudi Arabia continues to attract international investors and tourists, this conference will explore how economic policies can be adapted to maximize the financial benefits of tourism while ensuring that growth is sustainable and inclusive. The event will also feature case studies on how other countries have leveraged tourism to boost their economies, providing valuable insights for Saudi Arabia’s own tourism strategy.
5. International Conference on Sport Tourism Activities and Local Organizations (ICSTALO) | Research Foundation
- Date: 27 September 2024
- Venue: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Organizer: Research Foundation
The International Conference on Sport Tourism Activities and Local Organizations (ICSTALO) will take place on 27 September 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This conference, organized by the Research Foundation, will explore the growing field of sport tourism and its potential for driving local and national economic growth.
Sport tourism, which includes activities such as attending sports events, participating in sports competitions, or traveling for adventure sports, is a rapidly growing sector within the global tourism industry. In Saudi Arabia, sport tourism has gained significant attention, especially with events like Formula E, boxing matches, and international football tournaments being hosted in the Saudi Arabia Kingdom.
ICSTALO will bring together sport tourism professionals, local organizations, and government representatives to discuss how Saudi Arabia can further develop this sector. The event will cover topics such as sport tourism marketing, local community involvement, and infrastructure development to support sport tourism activities.
Given the Kingdom’s investment in sports facilities and international sporting events, this conference is timely and relevant. ICSTALO will also address how Saudi Arabia can capitalize on its unique geography to promote adventure sports, such as desert racing, trekking, and diving.
Saudi Arabia is becoming a key player in the global tourism and hospitality industries, with a focus on diversifying its economy through strategic initiatives like Vision 2030. The series of tourism-related conferences taking place in September 2024 highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to shaping the future of tourism and hospitality on a global scale.
From educational tourism and workforce training to advances in tourism economics and sport tourism, these conferences will offer valuable insights, networking opportunities, and actionable strategies for both local and international participants. Whether you are a tourism professional, educator, policymaker, or investor, these events provide a platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
Tags: Educational Tourism, International Conference on Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ICTHS) ICETAT Dammam 2024, ICSTALO Jeddah 2024, ICTEAT Medina 2024, ICTHS Dammam 2024, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia tourism conferences, Tourism Conferences, Travel conference, Vision 2030, Vision 2030 tourism goals