The TOURISE Forum announced the names of the tourist destinations that qualified for the final stage of the TOURISE Awards 2025, after passing two stages of comprehensive evaluation based on tourist experiences, expert opinions and contributions from international institutions specializing in the tourism sector.
TOURISE Forum
The forum affirmed that the qualifying destinations have succeeded in redrawing the contours of the future of global tourism, and have proven their ability to offer exceptional and inspiring experiences that go beyond the traditional concept of travel, reflecting the growing spirit of innovation and cultural diversity in this evolving sector.
In detail, the final nominations came in five main categories: Arts and Culture, Adventures, Food and Culinary Arts, Shopping, and Entertainment, as follows:
Best Arts and Culture Destination category:
Kyoto, Japan, with its stunning gardens and traditional crafts that reflect the depth of its ancient culture, Paris, France, famous for its museums and modern art, and New York, USA, which is vibrant with cultural life and embraces world-class museums and distinctive street art, qualified.
Best Adventure Destination category:
The list includes the Galapagos Islands with their diverse ecosystem and rare wildlife, Peru's Ancash Islands famous for their glacial lakes and towering peaks, and Bondi National Park, which offers unique adventures in the gorilla habitat amidst dense forests.
Best Food and Culinary Destination category:
Tokyo qualified for the diversity and precision of its cuisine, London for its rich experience in international foods and modern cuisines, and Hong Kong for combining the luxury of restaurants with the spaciousness of popular food markets in a mix that reflects the richness of the global culinary scene.
Best Shopping Destination category
Singapore was among the qualifiers for its design centers and heritage markets, along with Paris, the fashion capital, and London, which blends history and modernity in shopping experiences.
Best entertainment destination category
Seoul, South Korea, with its blend of cultural creativity and technological development, Tokyo, Japan with its immersive entertainment experiences, and Mexico City with its festivals and authentic traditions, qualified.
His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the TOURISE Forum, Mr. Ahmed Al-Khatib, said that the qualification of these destinations embodies the spirit of innovation and hospitality that is an essential feature of the modern travel experience, noting that these cities not only attract visitors, but also inspire the imagination and enhance cultural convergence between peoples.
Al-Khatib added: “As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to lead in building a sustainable and transformative tourism future, we are proud to honor destinations that set new standards of excellence and leave an indelible mark on the memory of every traveler.”
The winning destinations are scheduled to be announced during the first day of the TOURISE 2025 Forum, which will be held in Riyadh from November 11 to 13, with the participation of a select group of leaders and experts in the tourism, culture, investment and technology sectors.
A high-level international jury oversees the selection of the winning destinations, comprising global experts in the fields of tourism, arts, fashion, and culture.
The TOURISE Awards is a global initiative that honors destinations that build cultural bridges between peoples and offer exceptional travel experiences. The winner in each category also has the opportunity to compete for the grand prize of Best Overall Destination for 2025.
