Saudi Arabia Hosts Prestigious Luxury Travel Summit with Sands China Sponsorship Strengthening Global Tourism Links and Tapping the Rapidly Expanding Outbound Market

Published on September 5, 2025

Industry voices remarked that Saudi Arabia’s decision to host a major luxury travel summit in Riyadh had already placed the Kingdom in the spotlight of global attention. Analysts argued that by linking its tourism ambitions with those of Macau, the gathering was expected to carve out new corridors of travel between the Middle East and Asia, especially in the premium segment.

It was underlined that steps such as visa-free entry, ongoing talks about direct air connections, and the gradual rollout of Muslim-friendly hospitality initiatives would enable Macau to become a preferred destination for Saudi travelers. Given that visitors from the Gulf region are recognized as some of the world’s highest spenders, with a strong appetite for luxury hotels, fine dining, and exclusive entertainment, this shift was predicted to influence travel flows far beyond the two regions.

Experts concluded that the Kingdom Business & Luxury Travel (KBLT) Congress 2025, scheduled in Riyadh on 15–16 September, would not only act as a networking hub but also as a turning point in the luxury travel industry. The summit was seen as a symbol of the changing balance of power in tourism, where the synergy between Asia and the Middle East was steadily reshaping what luxury travel meant on a global scale.

Broader Global Impact on the Travel Industry

Observers emphasized that the collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Macau stretched well beyond their individual regions. They explained that this alignment reflected the emergence of a new phase in international tourism, where Asia and the Middle East were both rising as twin centers of growth for luxury travel.

The Riyadh summit was described as a likely catalyst for change, nudging Saudi travelers toward Macau as well as nearby Asian destinations. Such movement was expected to spark stronger demand for:

• World-class luxury hotels offering impeccable service.
• Gourmet dining experiences blending local authenticity with global refinement.
• Curated entertainment designed to combine exclusivity with cultural resonance.

Commentators also underlined several broader outcomes:

• The formation of new luxury travel corridors connecting Asia and the Middle East.
• Rising pressure for direct flight connections to meet the surge in demand.
• Expansion of Muslim-friendly services across major Asian cities.
• Greater global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in shaping outbound tourism patterns.

They stressed that the KBLT Congress 2025 should not be viewed simply as an industry event but as a symbol of shifting tourism priorities driven by changing consumer behavior and emerging economies.

Riyadh’s KBLT Congress as a Premier Networking Hub

Reports indicated that the KBLT Congress 2025, set to take place in Riyadh on 15–16 September, was being positioned as a highly exclusive business-to-business forum for the luxury travel industry. Analysts highlighted that the program would gather leaders from sectors such as hospitality, aviation, cruising, and destination management, all under one roof.

It was explained that over 100 Saudi buyers, including decision-makers from the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), as well as representatives from corporate travel and luxury leisure markets, were expected to attend. These participants would have direct access to global suppliers ranging from luxury hotels to airlines and cruise operators.

Industry observers suggested that the congress would offer Macau an invaluable chance to present its luxury credentials before an audience well known for its pursuit of authentic high-end experiences. Commentators stressed that travelers from the Gulf region placed high value on cultural connections, exclusive comfort, and personalized services, making them ideal guests for destinations seeking to strengthen their position in premium tourism.

It was concluded that the partnerships likely to emerge from this summit could guide the future direction of travel collaborations between Asia and the Middle East for years to come.

Strategic Expansion Toward the Middle Eastern Market

Industry specialists explained that Macau’s active engagement in the Riyadh summit reflected a wider ambition to diversify its visitor base. Analysts observed that the Middle East represented one of the most promising markets, largely because of its combination of wealthy travelers and a steadily increasing appetite for luxury tourism.

Forecasts projected that Saudi Arabia’s outbound travel would climb to 11.6 million trips by 2025, marking a 17 percent increase compared with 2023 levels. Reports also pointed out that Saudi tourists consistently ranked among the highest spenders globally, with average trip costs reaching US$4,800 (MOP38,503). It was highlighted that wealthy individuals often spent US$9,200 or more per journey, far exceeding global averages.

Analysts remarked that this kind of spending power made the Saudi market exceptionally attractive for destinations offering luxury accommodations, fine dining, and premium entertainment. Observers further suggested that aligning with Saudi Arabia during this window of expansion represented a calculated strategy for Macau to capture a share of the fast-growing high-end tourism market.

Visa-Free Entry and Air Connectivity Prospects

Commentators recalled that a significant milestone occurred on July 16, when Macau announced visa-free entry for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Nationals from the United Arab Emirates already enjoyed this arrangement, but the extension was described as a breakthrough for Gulf travelers.

Reports clarified that visa-free policies often had an outsized influence on travel behavior, since simplified entry typically resulted in higher visitor numbers and stronger repeat tourism. Analysts believed that this policy shift placed Macau in a strong position to integrate itself more firmly into the Gulf travel circuit.

In addition, it was revealed that the Macau Civil Aviation Authority had initiated talks with Saudi aviation regulators about a bilateral air services agreement. Should these negotiations succeed, they could pave the way for the first-ever direct flights between Macau and the Middle East.

At present, travelers from the Gulf rely heavily on connecting flights through other Asian hubs, a factor often discouraging tourism. Industry experts explained that direct connectivity would transform access, making Macau more appealing and reducing travel time, thus encouraging both first-time and repeat visits.

Expanding Muslim-Friendly Tourism in Macau

Industry observers pointed out that Macau had been working deliberately to attract more visitors from the Gulf region, particularly from Saudi Arabia. Reports stated that official tourism programs had introduced a range of Muslim-friendly initiatives aimed at ensuring travelers felt both respected and accommodated.

Alongside these programs, properties across the city introduced services such as halal-certified dining, dedicated prayer rooms, and other culturally sensitive amenities. Analysts explained that these measures were crafted to create an environment where Muslim travelers could enjoy the comfort of luxury tourism while still preserving their cultural values.

Despite these improvements, statistics revealed that visitors from the Middle East still represented a small portion of Macau’s overall arrivals. Figures from the first seven months of the year indicated that 98.3 percent of tourists came from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.

Analysts added that while the Middle Eastern presence was still relatively small, the combination of Muslim-friendly offerings with visa-free entry was laying the groundwork for significant future growth in this market.

Saudi Arabia Hosting the Luxury Travel Summit

Observers noted that Saudi Arabia was preparing to stage a major luxury travel summit in Riyadh, and the announcement quickly became a global talking point. The high-profile event was designed not only as a platform for business networking but also as a showcase of how international tourism was transforming.

Analysts remarked that by aligning its vision with the ambitions of Macau, the summit was expected to generate new travel corridors connecting the Middle East and Asia. Commentators emphasized that this alignment would create fresh opportunities for cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and tourism expansion.

Experts also noted that the gathering, scheduled for 15–16 September 2025, was set to unite leaders from across hospitality, aviation, cruise sectors, and destination management. It was widely believed that this summit would enhance Macau’s visibility among Saudi travelers, who were already recognized for their strong appetite for premium travel experiences.

Industry specialists concluded that this congress could reshape travel flows between Asia and the Middle East, forging a stronger and more sustainable luxury tourism network.

Riyadh’s Global Stage for Luxury Tourism

Saudi Arabia was reported to be preparing for a luxury travel summit in Riyadh, and the news had quickly drawn worldwide attention. The event was said to underline the Kingdom’s growing influence in international tourism, while also bringing focus to Macau’s ambitions of expanding its global visitor base.

By associating itself with this upcoming congress, Macau was positioning the city as a rising hub for luxury travelers who sought fine dining, exclusive entertainment, and premium hospitality. Observers explained that this strategic move was designed to elevate Macau’s profile in the global luxury travel market.

Reports stated that the event, officially titled the Kingdom Business & Luxury Travel (KBLT) Congress 2025, would assemble influential leaders from across the travel industry. With the congress scheduled for 15–16 September in Riyadh, analysts remarked that the gathering would act as a bridge, strengthening ties between Asia and the Middle East, and setting the stage for a redefined global luxury tourism era.