Tourise names world’s top destinations at inaugural awards in Riyadh

Tourise has named the world’s top destinations at its inaugural awards, which were revealed during a ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh on the opening day of the first-ever Tourise Summit. 

 

Tokyo claimed the spotlight, securing three out of six possible accolades, including the coveted Best Overall Destination award.

 

Designed to recognise destinations that are “setting the pace for culture, connection and innovation in travel”, the awards programme drew from a shortlist of 12 that had been narrowed down from a pool of 66 global contenders, including three entries from the UAE and two from Saudi Arabia. 

 

In addition to winning Best Overall Destination, Tokyo was named Best Food & Culinary Destination for transforming local produce into “world-class culinary ecosystems"; and Best Entertainment Destination thanks to its theme parks, immersive indoor attractions and a “forward-looking” cultural and music scene.

 

In other categories, New York City was honoured as Best Arts & Culture Destination, recognised for elevating art and culture into immersive experiences by blending marquee museums, world stages and off-Broadway neighbourhood venues.

 

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Paris received the award for Best Shopping Destination, with judges commending the French capital for redefining retail as “creative placemaking”, where shopping becomes cultural discovery through ateliers, concept stores and newly revitalised districts.

 

Looking beyond global capitals, Ancash in Peru was named Best Adventure Destination. The region secured its award for anchoring classic Andean adventure with the Cordillera Blanca’s high-altitude trails, turquoise lakes and dramatic summits.

 

A panel of industry leaders judged the awards, drawing on expertise from the worlds of travel, tourism, fashion and gastronomy, including former executives from Forbes Travel Guide, Michelin Guides, Tate Modern, Condé Nast and previous CEOs of Kempinski and Pan Pacific Hotels.

 

Speaking at the event, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Tourise, said the winners were more than just places on a map, they were "living, breathing inspirations that unite cultures and spark imaginations". 

 

He added: “Tourise is shaping the next 50 years of travel, and these destinations define what purposeful and transformative tourism can achieve. Each reflects what today’s traveller increasingly seeks; authenticity, creativity, and experiences that connect people to place and purpose.”

 

Operating under the banner ‘Tourism Reimagined’, the inaugural four-day inaugural Tourise summit has brought together global leaders in tourism, technology, investment and sustainability, to unlock new opportunities for growth and collaboration in the sector.

 

The full list of category winners for 2025 are:

• Best Overall Destination award – Tokyo, Japan
• Best Arts & Culture Destination – New York, US
• Best Adventure Destination – Ancash, Peru 
• Best Food & Culinary Destination – Tokyo, Japan 
• Best Shopping Destination – Paris, France 
• Best Entertainment Destination – Tokyo, Japan 

For more information, visit www.tourise.com