Celebrating Destination Excellence: TOURISE Unveils Finalists for the 2025 TOURISE Awards

Anticipation is building as TOURISE today unveils the finalists for the highly anticipated 2025 TOURISE Awards, set to recognize those leading global destinations who are rewriting the very definition of exploration. Twelve destinations have been named as finalists in this year’s TOURISE Awards, setting the pace for the future of tourism. Together they represent places from across the world that are not just changing the game of destination excellence, they are setting entirely new rules to cater to the demands of the modern traveler.

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Selected from a wide array of nominations submitted by passionate globetrotters travelers, industry experts, and organizations across the world, this year’s finalists celebrate places that deliver soul-stirring culture, boundary-pushing experiences, and above all, meaningful and lasting memories.

His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of TOURISE, said: “The TOURISE Awards finalists truly embody the bold spirit of innovation and the warm embrace of hospitality that define the modern travel experience. 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 traveler, reminding us that meaningful exploration has the power to unite and inspire long after the journey ends.”

In the Spotlight: This Year’s Finalists

The 2025 TOURISE Awards finalists are:

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

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

Winners from each category will also have the chance to be named as the Best Overall Destination, handpicked by the esteemed TOURISE Awards jury.

The independent jury, responsible for expertly narrowing down the many nominations to today’s outstanding finalists, is a powerhouse of cross-industry trailblazers. Representing the very best from travel and tourism, fashion, culinary arts, retail, culture, adventure, and entertainment, these visionary leaders bring unparalleled expertise and passion to the TOURISE Awards. The panel includes:

Filip Boyen, Former CEO, Forbes Travel Guide

Michael Ellis, Former Global Director, Michelin Guides

Fiona Jeffery, Former Chair, World Travel Market; Former Chair, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards

Renaud de Lesquen, Former CEO, Givenchy; Former President, Dior AM

Lars Nittve, Former Founding Director, Tate Modern

Albert Read, Former Managing Director, Condé Nast

Caroline Rush, Former CEO, British Fashion Council

Omar Samra, UN Goodwill Ambassador, Mountaineer and Polar Explorer

Bernold Schroeder, Former CEO, Kempinski; Pan Pacific

The Final Countdown

The winners of the inaugural TOURISE Awards will be announced at a gala event on the opening night of the TOURISE Summit on November 11, in Riyadh. The TOURISE Awards are an extension of the TOURISE platform under the umbrella of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism, powered by Saudi Tourism Authority, in collaboration with global stakeholders.

TOURISE is the world’s premier platform for shaping the future of global tourism. A convening of bold leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors and future shapers from across industries, TOURISE will tackle challenges and unlock transformative opportunities, setting the agenda for a tourism sector that is responsible, equitable, and future-focused.

In Focus: Meet Your Finalists

Best Arts & Culture Destination

• Kyoto: Timeless Japan - serene gardens, iconic temples, and living crafts, all woven into a vibrant contemporary cultural fabric.
• Paris: Forever iconic - grand museums, blossoming contemporary art, and a performing arts scene that keeps the city’s creative spirit alive.
• New York: Culture at its peak - world-class museums, electrifying street art, and a creative pulse that powers everything from Broadway to borough beats.

Best Adventure Destination

• Galapagos Islands: Origins of wonder - volcanic beauty, marine diversity, and wildlife encounters that feel like a journey through time itself.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Into the wild - ancient forests, rare gorilla encounters, and a sense of nature’s power at every step.
• Ancash: Raw and real - untamed peaks, glacial lakes, and trails steeped in tradition, where adventure meets the warmth of local communities.

Best Food & Culinary Destination

• Tokyo: Michelin-starred sushi to soulful ramen - centuries-old traditions meet an obsession with quality, making every bite an unforgettable experience.
• London: A cosmopolitan culinary powerhouse - Modern British kitchens, global flavors from every corner, and dining that spans haute cuisine to street classics.
• Hong Kong: A vertical feast - fine dining towers above dai pai dong stalls and noodle shops, blending heritage and global flavors in one dazzling cityscape.

Best Shopping Destination

• Singapore: Future-focused retail - design districts, luxury malls, and cultural markets in a city bridging East and West.
• Paris: Haute couture and beyond - legendary maisons, concept stores, and flea markets that mix timeless elegance with trendsetting flair.
• London: Heritage meets modernity - luxury flagships, creative hubs, and eclectic markets in a city that defines global style.

Best Entertainment Destination

• Seoul: Innovation meets culture - K-pop arenas, cutting-edge entertainment, and nightlife that sets global trends.
• Tokyo: Unmatched energy - world-class shows, immersive attractions, and authentic local experiences in a city built for exhilaration.
• Mexico City: Pure vibrance - festivals, music, and a unique blend of tradition and modern fun that makes every night unforgettable.

About the TOURISE Awards

The TOURISE Awards are a global celebration of destination excellence, recognizing places that deliver travel experiences that are purposeful, unforgettable, and aligned with the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. Judged by a prestigious cross-sector jury, the Awards honor destinations across five categories - Arts & Culture, Adventure, Food & Culinary, Shopping, and Entertainment - culminating in the flagship Best Overall Destination award. The Awards spotlight innovation, sustainability, cultural preservation, and visitor impact, setting a new global standard for what makes a destination truly exceptional.

Find out more about the TOURISE Awards at www.TOURISE.com/awards

About TOURISE

TOURISE is the world’s premier platform shaping a new horizon for global tourism.

Powered by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the inaugural TOURISE Summit will take place 11-13, November 2025 in Riyadh. TOURISE will convene visionaries from government, business, investment, tourism and technology communities to deliver high impact initiatives and transformative deals that will reset the industry and build a tourism sector that is sustainable, equitable, and future-focused.

Physically exclusive and digitally inclusive, TOURISE will ensure broad global participation while providing targeted access to visionaries shaping the future of global tourism. Following the Summit, TOURISE will extend as a year-round platform where bold ideas become real-world solutions.

This is where the next 50 years of tourism are shaped. Together, we are unstoppable.

For more information about TOURISE, visit www.TOURISE.com and subscribe to the newsletter.

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