Tourise reveals finalists for first-ever global destination awards

Tourise, the new global travel industry platform launching in Saudi Arabia this November, has announced the finalists for its first-ever Tourise Awards. 

 

Twelve destinations are in the running across five categories, with winners to be revealed during the inaugural Tourise Summit in Riyadh from 11-13 November 2025.

 

Tokyo, Paris and London each appear twice among the finalists, while New York City, Mexico City, Seoul and Singapore also feature.

 

The shortlisted destinations were selected by an independent panel of industry experts from a long-list of 66 global destinations, including three from Dubai and two from Saudi Arabia. 

 

According to the organisers, the chosen finalists are “setting the pace for culture, connection and innovation in travel.”

 

​​The finalists are:

 

Best Arts & Culture Destination
Kyoto, Paris, New York City

 

Best Adventure Destination
Galapagos Islands, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ancash

 

Best Food & Culinary Destination
Tokyo, London, Hong Kong

 

Best Shopping Destination
Singapore, Paris, London

 

Best Entertainment Destination
Seoul, Tokyo, Mexico City

 

Category winners will also compete for the title of Best Overall Destination, to be handpicked by the Tourise Awards jury.

 

The judging panel comprises travel, tourism, fashion and culinary leaders, including former executives from Forbes Travel Guide, Michelin Guides, Tate Modern, Condé Nast, and the former CEOs of Kempinski and Pan Pacific Hotels.

 

His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Tourise, said the finalists “truly embody the bold spirit of innovation and the warm embrace of hospitality that define the modern travel experience.”

 

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“These remarkable cities and regions are not only attracting visitors from across the globe; they are igniting imaginations, building bridges between cultures, and inspiring us all to see the world with fresh eyes. 

 

“As Saudi Arabia leads the way in shaping a sustainable and transformative future for tourism, we are proud to celebrate destinations that set new standards of excellence. Each finalist leaves an indelible mark on every traveller, reminding us that meaningful exploration has the power to unite and inspire long after the journey ends.”

 

Held under the theme Tourism Reimagined, the invite-only summit – also available via live stream – will spotlight four core themes: the future of AI-powered tourism, disruptive business models and investment, rebooting the travel experience, and tourism that works for people, planet and progress.

 

Supported by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and powered by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, Tourise will bring together global leaders from tourism, technology, investment and sustainability for the first time, aiming to unlock new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

 

For more information, visit www.tourise.com