Ayla Oasis and Georgia join KBLT 2026 as gold sponsors

KBLT Congress will bring Ayla Oasis in Jordan and Georgia Convention and Exhibition Bureau on board as gold sponsors for its fifth edition in Riyadh on Sept. 6-7, 2026. The move underscores growing interest in the Saudi travel market, where outbound spending is projected at $30.7 billion in 2026 and international trips at 12.3 million.

Why it matters: - KBLT Congress is trying to convert Saudi travel demand into longer-term business ties between Saudi buyers and global destinations. - Ayla Oasis and Georgia are betting on the Saudi market because of rising outbound travel, higher interest in premium regional experiences and stronger demand for business and luxury travel. - The event comes as Saudi outbound travel spending is expected to reach $30.7 billion in 2026, with international trips projected at 12.3 million.

What happened: - KBLT Congress announced two new gold sponsors for its fifth edition: Ayla Oasis in Jordan and Georgia Convention and Exhibition Bureau. - The congress will take place Sept. 6-7, 2026, at the Mövenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh. - More than 100 prequalified Saudi buyers are expected from corporate travel, MICE and luxury travel sectors, alongside international travel and tourism brands. - QnA International organizes KBLT Congress. - Sidh NC, director at QnA International, said the event is designed as a top meeting platform in Saudi Arabia where Saudi buyers connect with global travel and hospitality providers.

The details: - Ayla Oasis is a Red Sea coastal destination in Aqaba, Jordan. - Ayla Oasis positions Saudi Arabia as a natural and increasingly important market because of proximity, cultural affinity and alignment with Saudi travelers' preferences. - The Jordanian destination offers upscale hospitality, beaches, golf, marina experiences, dining, wellness and entertainment in an integrated environment. - Ayla Oasis says rising Saudi interest in the destination this year creates room to expand its regional leisure position. - Sahl Doudin, chief executive of Ayla Oasis, said 2026 is the right time to strengthen the destination's presence in Saudi outbound travel and build stronger links with Saudi travel partners. - Georgia already sees Saudi Arabia as a strategic market. - Visitor arrivals from Saudi Arabia to Georgia rose 9.1% in 2025, the strongest growth rate among Georgia's Gulf markets. - Georgia is working to move beyond leisure travel by attracting Saudi demand in corporate travel, associations, events and special occasions. - Direct flights and visa-free access give Georgia a strong base for more travel between the two countries. - Levan Japaridze, head of Georgia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said access alone does not convert interest into bookings and that trust and destination knowledge are essential. - Georgia is using KBLT to showcase its ability to host meetings, incentive programs, large events, celebrations and private occasions.

Between the lines: - Both sponsors are treating KBLT as a relationship-building platform rather than a short-term promotion. - Ayla Oasis is focused on building durable commercial partnerships and raising brand visibility in Saudi Arabia. - Georgia is combining ongoing participation in Saudi travel events with familiarization trips and direct outreach to Saudi planners and operators. - The strategy suggests both destinations see the Saudi market as a long runway for repeat business, not a one-off source of bookings.

What's next: - KBLT's fifth edition will serve as a test of how well Saudi buyer interest can be converted into sustained partnerships. - Ayla Oasis and Georgia will use the congress to deepen ties with Saudi travel and event buyers. - Georgia is expected to keep emphasizing its MICE and special-events offering to shift perceptions beyond leisure tourism. - KBLT's broader goal is to connect leading global travel brands with influential Saudi buyers and turn interest into long-term commercial relationships.