Posted on November 8, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is set to reach new heights with the 2025 Connections Saudi B2B travel trade event, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from November 10-14. This major event will bring together more than 500 delegates, including 250 international buyers, and will serve as a defining moment to showcase the Kingdom’s emerging tourism sector. In partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority, this event will highlight the Kingdom’s bold tourism transformation and the amazing potential for future growth.
Held in conjunction with the inaugural TOURISE Summit, the event aims to foster collaboration and innovation, bringing together leaders of the global tourism industry to explore new business opportunities, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships. With the rapid development witnessed by the tourism sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this gathering will serve as a major platform to connect international buyers with local suppliers and showcase the tremendous opportunities in the Kingdom’s evolving tourism landscape.
A unique approach to communication and discovery
What sets Connections Saudi apart from other industry events is its distinctive approach that blends professional networking with immersive cultural experiences. The event will include one-on-one business meetings where international buyers can meet Saudi suppliers, allowing for meaningful discussions and potential partnerships. But it’s the carefully curated local experiences that really set this event apart.
Attendees will be able to explore some of the Kingdom’s most exciting and innovative tourism developments. Among the highlights of the event was a tour of Qiddiya City, a leading entertainment and cultural complex located near Riyadh. The Qiddiya project is expected to be one of the largest and most advanced projects of its kind in the world, and will provide a wide range of attractions, including theme parks, art galleries and performance venues. By visiting the site, delegates will see first-hand the scale and ambition of this transformative project, which aims to redefine entertainment and tourism in the region.
In addition, participants will experience the historical heart of Saudi Arabia through a special engagement program in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds enormous cultural and historical significance. Diriyah is currently being transformed into a major cultural and tourism destination, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The engagement program will provide a glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich heritage while also highlighting its continued development as a world-class destination.
Presenting Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future
The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, driven by the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. As part of the Kingdom’s broader plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a top global tourism destination. The Connections Saudi event is a key part of this vision, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing appeal for international visitors and the innovative developments shaping the future of tourism.
This year’s event will focus on several prominent projects that are key to the Kingdom’s tourism strategy, including the Red Sea International Company. This ambitious development will create a luxury tourism destination along the Red Sea coast, offering world-class resorts, eco-friendly accommodation and unique adventure experiences. By showcasing projects such as the Global Red Sea, the event will underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
Another major focus will be AlUla, a stunning archaeological site in the northwest of the Kingdom that is being developed into a major cultural tourism centre. The ancient tombs, rock formations and ruins of AlUla are set to become some of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, attracting cultural travellers, history enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike. By exploring these developments, participants will gain valuable insights into the Kingdom’s long-term tourism strategy and the opportunities that await it in the coming years.
Strengthening global partnerships and innovation
The Connections Saudi event is not only about showcasing the tourism potential of Saudi Arabia, but also about strengthening global partnerships and sparking innovation within the industry. By bringing together the best tourism professionals from around the world, the event provides a unique opportunity for international buyers to network with key Saudi stakeholders, discuss new trends, and form mutually beneficial collaborations.
The synergy between Connections Saudi and TOURISE Summit further enhances this platform for innovation. Together, the two events will provide a forum for thought leaders to discuss the future of tourism, focusing on key topics such as sustainability, technology and the role of innovation in creating new tourism experiences. As the tourism industry continues to develop, these discussions will be crucial in shaping the Kingdom’s future as a global tourism powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia is also focusing on making the tourism sector more inclusive, ensuring that local communities benefit from the growth of the industry. The Kingdom is committed to creating opportunities for local businesses and promoting sustainable growth, which will be highlighted throughout the event. The connections formed at Connections Saudi will help realize this vision, driving long-term economic development and job creation across the country.
Strategic support from key players in the industry
The 2025 Connections Saudi event is supported by some of the most influential organizations in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Partners such as Saudi Airlines, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Qiddiya, Diriyah, Red Sea Global, AlUla, Six Senses Southern Dunes, and many others will play a key role in showcasing the diverse tourism offerings in the Kingdom.
These strategic partnerships underscore the global importance of this event, as they provide attendees with a comprehensive view of the tourism potential in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. From upscale resorts to adventure tourism and cultural heritage experiences, the Kingdom is working to build a diverse tourism portfolio that will attract a wide range of travelers.
Looking to the future: The future of Saudi tourism
As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid transformation into a world-class tourism destination, the 2025 Connections Saudi event will mark a milestone in this journey. With its focus on strengthening partnerships, exploring new trends, and showcasing the Kingdom’s amazing tourism potential, this event will help pave the way for the future of Saudi tourism.
As the country continues to invest in major development and infrastructure projects, the opportunities for tourism professionals, investors and travelers are enormous. Connections Saudi will play an integral role in connecting international and local stakeholders, helping to drive sustainable growth, innovation and global cooperation in the tourism sector. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to attract millions of visitors every year, and with events like Connections Saudi, the Kingdom is on track to become a leading global tourism destination.
