Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a global leader in the travel and hospitality industry, with ambitious plans to attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030. With around USD 110 billion allocated to the hospitality sector and a staggering 310,000 hotel rooms in development, the country is undergoing a transformative boom.

This transformation is part of the nation’s Vision 2030 initiative, a comprehensive blueprint for social and economic change. As part of this vision, Saudi Arabia is investing billions in hotel construction, infrastructure, and sustainable city development along its coasts and deserts. Foreign investment is flowing in, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global hotel construction market, ranking behind only China and the US.

To shine a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion-dollar hospitality plans and highlight industry trends, the Hotel & Hospitality Expo, organized by The Hotel Show, is set to take place from September 10th to 12th at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre. The expo’s rebranding from The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia to the Hotel & Hospitality Expo reflects the current trends and landscape of the hospitality industry, making it the premier event for all things related to the sector in the Kingdom.

Elaine O’Connell, Vice President Design and Hospitality of dmg events, the organizer of the Hotel & Hospitality Expo, stated, “To better focus and grow our attention in the hotel and hospitality industry, The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia has undergone a rebrand. We’ve modernized the event to reflect the latest trends in the industry, and we’re confident that this fresh approach will make it an even more engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”

Co-located with INDEX Saudi Arabia and the Lighting Design & Technology Expo, the show connects manufacturers and suppliers in the hotel and hospitality industry with buyers in the Kingdom.

The expo’s advisory board, composed of Saudi Arabia’s notable hospitality experts, highlighted major trends in the Saudi Arabian hotel and hospitality industry for 2023. These trends include sustainability, Saudi tourism, supply chain and logistics, funding and financing, talent development, and the role of big brands in driving the local economy.

The findings will shape the agenda of the Hospitality Leaders’ Summit, a three-day event during the Hotel & Hospitality Expo. This summit will feature government and private sector experts who will provide insights into the industry’s current state and its future through presentations, panel discussions, and keynote addresses.

According to real estate consultant Knight Frank, Saudi Arabia currently has 129,000 hotel and serviced apartment rooms, with projections indicating this number will rise to 212,000 rooms over the next seven years.

The Expo will also feature the Chefs’ Mystery Box Challenge and the Saudi Hospitality Talent Awards, celebrating the talents and achievements of individuals in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector. Categories include Restaurateur of the Year, Housekeeping Star, and Front of the House.

The event aims to highlight opportunities for investment and global partnerships in Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality sector, explore solutions to challenges, and shape the future of the industry.