Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, is preparing to host one of the region's most prominent tourism events: the Jeddah International Tourism and Travel Exhibition, taking place from January 28th to 30th. Organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event will be held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center and will feature wide international participation, including 27 countries and more than 179 exhibitors specializing in promoting local and international tourist destinations, as well as showcasing the latest products and services related to the travel sector.

The organization of this exhibition comes at a crucial strategic juncture for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning directly with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify national income sources and reduce dependence on oil. The tourism sector is a cornerstone of this vision, with the Kingdom striving to attract over 100 million tourist visits annually by 2030. Therefore, the exhibition is significant as a vital platform for showcasing the Kingdom's immense tourism potential, from mega-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, to its rich heritage and cultural sites.

Jeddah is the ideal choice to host this international event, thanks to its historical significance as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a vital trading port throughout the ages, in addition to being a modern economic and cultural hub. Its rich history, embodied in the historic district of Al-Balad (Jeddah Al-Haditha), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combines with its modern waterfront and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, making it a microcosm of the integrated tourism experiences that the Kingdom offers its visitors, blending tradition with modernity.

Locally, the exhibition is expected to stimulate economic activity in Jeddah and support local businesses operating in the hospitality and travel sector, as well as encourage domestic tourism among citizens and residents. Regionally and internationally, the exhibition will solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading tourist destination in the Middle East, capable of competing and attracting tourists from around the world. It also presents a valuable opportunity for foreign investors to explore promising growth opportunities in the Saudi market.

The exhibition provides participants and visitors with a comprehensive platform for networking and expanding their professional relationships. For exhibitors, it is an ideal annual marketplace to showcase their services, launch new products, forge strategic partnerships, and reach a broad audience and media presence. For visitors and travel enthusiasts, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends in the tourism industry, discover new destinations, and take advantage of exclusive offers from participating companies, making it an essential event for anyone involved in the travel and tourism industry.

Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, is preparing to host one of the most prominent events in the regional tourism sector: the Jeddah International Tourism and Travel Exhibition 2026. The exhibition is scheduled to take place at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center from January 28 to 30. Organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, this significant event underscores the growing stature of Saudi Arabia as a global tourist destination, bringing together 179 exhibitors from 27 countries to showcase the latest tourism destinations, products, and services.

Strategic context within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This exhibition cannot be viewed as an isolated event; rather, it is an integral part of the comprehensive national transformation spearheaded by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Vision aims to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil, and the tourism sector is a key pillar in achieving this goal. By hosting such international events, the Kingdom is attracting foreign investment, enhancing its tourism infrastructure, and promoting its mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, which are redefining the concept of luxury and sustainable tourism.

The importance of Jeddah as a tourist and commercial gateway

Jeddah has long been a historic gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a vibrant commercial hub on the Red Sea coast. Today, the city leverages its rich heritage and strategic location to become a center for tourism, entertainment, and business. Hosting the Expo in Jeddah reinforces its position as a destination capable of organizing world-class events and highlights its attractions, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district of Al-Balad to its modern waterfront and luxury shopping malls.

Promising opportunities for participants and visitors

The exhibition provides a vibrant annual platform that brings together industry professionals and travel enthusiasts. For exhibitors, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their new services and products to a broad audience, build strategic partnerships with travel agents and tour operators, and generate new business opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing markets. For visitors, the exhibition offers a comprehensive marketplace where they can explore new destinations, access exclusive offers, plan their next trips, and connect directly with representatives from tourism boards, hotels, and airlines worldwide.

Expected impact at the local and international levels

The exhibition is expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally, it will stimulate economic activity in Jeddah and support the hospitality, transportation, and logistics sectors. Regionally, it will reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leader in the Middle East's tourism sector. Internationally, the exhibition will enhance the Kingdom's image as an open and diverse tourist destination, capable of welcoming visitors from all cultures, thus contributing to the realization of Vision 2030's goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually.