Saudi Arabia’s outbound travel market is entering a new era of scale, sophistication, and global influence — a shift that will be examined in depth at the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, set to take place next September at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre. The new event arrives at a crucial moment: outbound travel from the Kingdom is accelerating faster than ever, driven by a young population, high digital adoption, a growing appetite for premium experiences, and a confident re-engagement with the world.
According to industry forecasts, Saudi travellers are expected to spend US$27.5 billion on outbound travel in 2025, a figure projected to surge to US$47.8 billion by 2032. This positions Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s most impactful outbound tourism markets — and one of the most valuable for international destinations competing for high-yield travellers.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring global tourism leaders, national tourism boards, luxury brands, hoteliers, and buyers together to decode this fast-expanding market and explore what it means for global tourism.
Saudi travellers have long been recognised for their spending power, but the profile of outbound travel is evolving rapidly. Today’s Saudi traveller values:
- premium accommodation, with 41% choosing five-star hotels and another 32% selecting four-star
- tailor-made itineraries curated to personal preferences
- spacious, connected travel with extended family
- comfort and service, reflected in the preference for full-service airlines (chosen by 86% of outbound travellers)
- meaningful cultural experiences, curated dining, and quality time
- shopping, which remains a major motivation for international travel
Daily accommodation spending of US$300+ underscores the market’s high-yield nature.
This appetite for elevated travel experiences has intensified alongside the Kingdom’s changing demographics. A large segment of travellers is young, globally connected, digitally savvy, and ready to explore destinations beyond traditional favourites.
New research shows a marked shift in Saudi travellers’ destination choices. Alongside enduring favourites such as London, Paris, Istanbul, Rome, Phuket, and Cape Town, there is a growing appetite for destinations that offer authenticity, nature, and halal-friendly comfort.
Saudi travellers are increasingly considering:
- Georgia and Azerbaijan, admired for climate, scenery, and ease of access
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, blending European landscapes with halal-friendly options
- emerging Southeast Asian destinations, where modern halal infrastructure is expanding
At the same time, international mobility is increasing. Almosafer data for Q1 2025 shows:
- 11% growth in international bookings outside the MENA region
- 13% growth in international hotel stays
These trends reflect growing confidence, better flight connections, and a more globally oriented traveller mindset.
Why WTM Spotlight Riyadh matters
For global destinations, understanding Saudi travellers has become a strategic priority. The market is:
- large (millions of annual outbound travellers)
- high-spending (among the world’s highest average daily spenders)
- year-round, avoiding the seasonality of many source markets
- fast-growing, with strong long-term projections
WTM Spotlight Riyadh is designed specifically to help the global tourism community interpret these trends and connect with the travel brands, buyers, and decision-makers shaping the market.
The inaugural edition is expected to host:
- 450 exhibitors
- 6,500 regional and international visitors
- 150 international hosted buyers
This scale reflects significant global interest and recognises Saudi Arabia as a pivotal outbound source market.
Industry insight: a market the world cannot ignore
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for WTM Spotlight Riyadh and Arabian Travel Market, highlights the significance of the event: “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 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, supporting the Kingdom’s tourism growth targets by connecting international buyers with the destinations, experiences and infrastructure that are reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s evolving role in the global tourism industry,” added Curtis.
She notes that WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring together leaders across the travel value chain to deepen insights into Saudi national and expatriate traveller preferences and understand their rising impact on global tourism.
Beyond exhibitions and networking, the event offers:
- structured B2B meetings
- curated itineraries for buyers
- dedicated content sessions
- panels on traveller behaviours and emerging market trends
It is designed as both a knowledge platform and a commercial marketplace.
Outbound growth supporting Saudi Arabia’s inbound ambitions
While the event focuses on outbound travel, it also plays a strategic role in the Kingdom’s inbound tourism vision.
The show will:
- connect global buyers with Saudi destinations and experiences
- strengthen the country’s positioning in luxury, culture, and adventure segments
- support the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism hub
- encourage partnerships that fuel the next phase of Vision 2030 tourism development
By hosting a WTM-branded event, Saudi Arabia signals its growing integration into the global travel ecosystem.
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Photo top of page: Mary Rose Relente / Unsplash
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