According to data from Coherent Market Insights, Saudi Arabia’s outbound tourism market is valued at approximately US$27.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$47.8 billion by 2032, underlining the Kingdom’s expanding role in shaping global travel flows.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring together global travel leaders to analyse how Saudi travellers are influencing demand across both established and emerging destinations. Preferences for luxury accommodation, cRecent research highlights the pace of growth. Almosafer data shows that international bookings made by Saudi travellers for destinations outside the MENA region increased by 11% in the first quarter of 2025, while international overnight stays rose by 13%. At the same time, Saudi travellers are broadening their destination choices, moving beyond traditional favourites such as London, Paris, Istanbul, Phuket, Rome, and Cape Town to explore newer markets.
Balance Tourism research points to rising interest in destinations such as Georgia and Azerbaijan for their climate, Bosnia and Herzegovina for its halal-friendly European appeal, and parts of Southeast Asia, where modern halal infrastructure is attracting Saudi visitors.
Spending patterns further underline the premium nature of the market. Research from Coherent Market Insights indicates that 41% of Saudi outbound travellers book five-star hotels, while 32% choose four-star properties, with daily accommodation spend exceeding US$300. Air travel preferences also reflect this focus on comfort and service, with 86% opting for full-service carriers. Shopping remains a central element of international travel and is often a key motivation for trips abroad.
Against this backdrop, WTM Spotlight Riyadh will provide a platform to assess the commercial and cultural implications of Saudi Arabia’s growing outbound influence. The inaugural edition is expected to host around 450 exhibitors, welcome approximately 6,500 regional and international visitors, and attract 150 international hosted buyers.
Commenting on the launch, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market and WTM Spotlight Riyadh, said: “Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as one of the world’s most influential outbound tourism markets. Travellers increasingly seek elevated experiences in accommodation, culture, and service, aiming for journeys that are both meaningful and memorable. WTM Spotlight Riyadh will unite global travel industry leaders to examine these trends, deepen insights into Saudi national and expat traveller preferences, and pinpoint the market’s growing impact on the future of international tourism.”
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is designed to facilitate targeted business engagement through curated itineraries, pre-scheduled meetings, and dedicated learning sessions. These sessions will focus on market intelligence, traveller behaviour, and innovation, enabling destinations, travel brands, and buyers to align strategies with Saudi Arabia’s evolving outbound demand.
Curtis added: “WTM Spotlight Riyadh presents a timely opportunity for the global travel community to understand the high-value potential of Saudi Arabia’s outbound tourism and forge partnerships in line with its expanding influence. At the same time, the event plays a critical role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s inbound ambitions.”ustomised itineraries, and multi-generational travel are increasingly defining this high-value market segment.
As part of the global WTM portfolio, which includes WTM London, WTM Africa, WTM Latin America, and Arabian Travel Market, WTM Spotlight Riyadh aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position within international tourism and support long-term collaboration between global destinations, brands, and buyers.
Tags: Saudi Arabia Danielle Curtis, Arabian Travel Market WTM Spotlight Riyadh