In a move that reflects a new era for global tourism, the TOURISE 2025 Forum – the world’s leading and first platform of its kind – announced the list of destinations that qualified for the final stage of the TOURISE Awards, which are among the world’s most prominent initiatives to honor inspiring and sustainable tourism experiences.
Out of more than 1000 destinations around the world, 12 outstanding destinations stood out, successfully redefining the concept of contemporary travel and creating experiences that touch the imagination and inspire the world.
The official announcement was made during the TOURISE 2025 Forum in Riyadh.
The winning destinations will be revealed during the first day of the forum, which will be held in Riyadh from November 11 to 13, 2025, in the presence of a select group of leaders and experts in tourism, culture, investment and technology.
The winners will be selected by a prestigious international jury comprising a select group of leading figures in the fields of tourism, arts, fashion and culture.
A global judging panel comprising icons from multiple sectors
The judging panel includes a distinguished group of international figures, including:
Philip Bowen, former CEO of Forbes Travel Guide
Michael Ellis, former global director of the Michelin Guide
Fiona Jeffery, former president of the World Travel Market
Renaud de Lessquin, former CEO of Givenchy and former president of Dior
Lars Nytve, former founding director of Tate Modern
Albert Read, former CEO of Condé Nast
Caroline Rush, former CEO of the British Fashion Council
Omar Samra, explorer and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador
Bernold Schroeder, former CEO of Kempinski Group and Pan Pacific Hotels
Saudi Tourism Minister: "The qualified destinations embody the spirit of innovation and hospitality."
Ahmed Al-Khatib, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the TOURISE Forum, said: “The qualifying destinations represent the spirit of renewed innovation and the depth of hospitality that has become an essential feature of the modern travel experience. They not only attract visitors from all over the world, but also inspire the imagination, promote cultural convergence, and reshape our view of the world.”
He added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its leadership in building a sustainable tourism future that inspires the world and redefines standards of excellence in global tourism experiences.
The five award categories
The TOURISE Awards are given to destinations that offer unique experiences that build cultural bridges between peoples, and the awards include five main categories:
1- Arts and Culture
2- Adventures
3- Food and Culinary Arts
4- Shopping
5- Entertainment
The grand prize is awarded for the best overall tourist destination that combines authenticity and innovation.
Arts and Culture category
Kyoto (Japan): A mix of ancient temples, traditional crafts and tranquil gardens.
Paris (France): A city of museums, modern art, and high fashion.
New York (United States): The vibrant capital of urban arts and the cradle of contemporary creativity.
Adventure category
The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador): A destination of unique marine diversity and wildlife.
Ancash (Peru): Glacial lakes and mountain ranges that captivate nature lovers.
Bondi National Park (Central Africa): A unique experience amidst dense forests and rare gorilla habitats.
Food and Culinary Arts Category
Tokyo (Japan): A unique balance between authenticity and precision in Japanese cuisine.
London (United Kingdom): A global blend of flavors and contemporary styles in modern British cuisine.
Hong Kong (China): A culinary city that combines fine dining restaurants and popular food stalls in an unforgettable experience.
The future of tourism: between inspiration and diversity
The TOURISE 2025 Forum represents an international platform for exchanging visions about the future of global travel, and confirms Riyadh’s position as a global center for major tourism dialogues, where experiences that combine innovation, sustainability, and humanity in the world of tourism are honored.
