TOURISE Awards 2025 inaugurate a new global benchmark in tourism excellence
The first edition of these awards, presented during the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, recognized destinations and experiences that are redefining the sector's competitiveness, in a context where innovation, sustainability, and design are guiding the evolution of the industry worldwide
On November 11, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the opening of the TOURISE Summit under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the winners of the first edition of the TOURISE Awards 2025 were announced.
This event marks a new chapter for the tourism industry, bringing together ministers, business leaders, and international experts to analyze the future of the sector at a time when global arrivals and investment have surpassed pre-pandemic levels
With nearly 8,000 registered delegates and more than 140 speakers, the Summit opened a platform designed to transform visionary ideas into concrete solutions, addressing topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, destination design, investment, frictionless mobility, and next-generation travel experiences.
In this context, the winning destinations of the inaugural TOURISE Awards were announced. Tokyo was the standout, receiving the Best Overall Destination award, as well as Best Food & Culinary Destination and Best Entertainment Destination. New York was awarded Best Arts & Culture Destination for the richness of its cultural scene, while Áncash, in Peru, was recognized as Best Adventure Destination thanks to its natural landscapes, mountains, and iconic routes in the Cordillera Blanca. Paris won Best Shopping Destination for its fusion of heritage, fashion, and urban experiences
The jury, comprised of independent figures from the world of tourism, culture, fashion, and hospitality, evaluated the destinations not only for their tourist appeal but also for their ability to create memorable, authentic experiences aligned with the demands of the contemporary traveler. During the event, Saudi Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasized that the industry faces a turning point that requires the convergence of diverse sectors to drive a more connected, innovative, and meaningful tourism
The day also underscored the role of the TOURISE Summit as a structural initiative for the future of the sector. Conceived as an annual meeting but with ongoing impact, the Summit seeks to generate a global cooperation model that allows for the sharing of best practices, accelerates investments, incorporates new technologies, and promotes destinations that offer economic, social, and cultural value. Along these lines, the Summit's awards and sessions reflect a vision of tourism as an engine of transformation and as an industry capable of uniting cultures, boosting local communities, and designing more conscious and personalized travel experiences.
For Latin America, the recognition awarded to Áncash represents a strategic opportunity. The selection of this Peruvian destination among the global winners demonstrates the region's potential to compete at the highest level, especially in niches such as adventure, nature, and sustainability. This type of distinction helps strengthen the region's positioning and attract greater international attention in terms of promotion, investment, and the development of specialized tourism products
Together, the TOURISE Summit and the TOURISE Awards 2025 not only celebrate individual achievements but also establish a broader framework for how the next era of global tourism will be defined. With a focus on innovation, purpose, and transformative experiences, the event lays the groundwork for the changes that will shape the industry over the next fifty years.
Source: TOURISE