TOURISE Awards unveils shortlist of world-leading destinations
RIYADH, 1 days ago
The shortlist for the inaugural TOURISE Awards has been revealed, putting the spotlight on destinations that are rewriting the rules of travel.
It showcases places that redefine travel norms, ranging from entertainment hubs to shopping districts.
These destinations are renowned for their unique identities, measurable impacts, and responsible management, delivering memorable and meaningful experiences.
The TOURISE Awards are an initiative of the TOURISE platform powered by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism.
The Awards drew over a thoUSnd nominations from around the world, submitted by those who know destinations best: everyday travellers, industry professionals, and organizations.
The nominations span the globe and represent leading destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, North and South America.
Abdullah Al Dakhil, TOURISE spokesperson, said: “Today’s shortlist for the TOURISE Awards spotlights best-in-class destinations redefining travel for the next generation, places with a clear identity and value proposition to meet the demands and expectations of tomorrow's travellers.
“Informed by global nominations from travellers and industry leaders, and rigorously evaluated by a globally renowned jury, these destinations deliver across all of our criteria. They don’t just welcome visitors; together, they’re setting the standard for how the world will travel next. I am excited to see who will come out on top and look forward to honouring the winners at the inaugural TOURISE Summit in November.”
Nominations were submitted for five distinct award categories: Best Arts and Culture Destination, Best Adventure Destination, Best Food and Culinary Destination, Best Shopping Destination, and Best Entertainment Destination. This flagship Best Overall Destination award will be selected by the jury and will recognize the destination that excels across all aspects of the traveller experience setting a new global benchmark as the most exceptional place to visit.
Aligned with the TOURISE ethos, the shortlist celebrates destinations that deliver meaningful, memorable, and measurable value. Each shortlisted destination was required to meet three baseline requirements: a clearly defined geographic scope; a distinct identity shaped by its culture, landscapes, and signature experiences; and accountable stewardship through an established tourism authority.
The Awards Jury considered each destination’s offering, how accessible and visitor-friendly they are, the overall value they provide, and most importantly, the quality and impact of the experience. This included looking at factors such as authenticity, innovation, inclusion, sustainability, accessibility, variety of accommodation, and safety, all of which contribute to a destination’s ability to deliver a meaningful and memorable journey.
2025 TOURISE AWARDS SHORTLIST
Best Arts and Culture Destination
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Athens, Greece
- Beijing, China
- Berlin, Germany
- Cairo, Egypt
- Florence, Italy
- Kyoto, Japan
- London, England
- Madrid, Spain
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Mexico City, Mexico
- New York, US
- Paris, France
- Petra, Jordan
- Rome, Italy
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Venice, Italy
- Yucatan, Mexico
Best Adventure Destination
- Ammassalik, Greenland
- Ancash, Peru
- Annapurna Region, Nepal
- Atacama Desert, Chile
- Bali, Indonesia
- Banff, Canada
- Bariloche, Argentina
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Julian Alps, Slovenia
- Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Hokkaido, Japan
- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Namib Desert, Namibia
- Petra, Jordan
- Svalbard, Norway
- The Rockies, US
- Torres del Paine, Chile
- Yosemite, US
Best Food and Culinary Destination
- Arequipa, Peru
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Barcelona, Spain
- Basque Country, Spain
- Bologna, Italy
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dubai, UAE
- Gujarat, India
- Hong Kong, China
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Kerala, India
- Kyoto, Japan
- London, England
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- New York, US
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- Seoul, South Korea
- Tokyo, Japan
Best Shopping Destination
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Barcelona, Spain
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dubai, UAE
- Florence, Italy
- Hong Kong, China
- Istanbul, Turkey
- London, England
- Madrid, Spain
- Milan, Italy
- Mumbai, India
- New York, US
- Osaka, Japan
- Paris, France
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Seoul, South Korea
- Shanghai, China
- Singapore, Singapore
- Tokyo, Japan
Best Entertainment Destination
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Barcelona, Spain
- Berlin, Germany
- Dubai, UAE
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Ibiza, Spain
- Las Vegas, US
- London, England
- Los Angeles, US
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Miami, US
- Nashville, US
- New York, US
- Paris, France
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Seoul, South Korea
- Shanghai, China
- Tokyo, Japan
The TOURISE Awards shortlist was the result of deliberations by the Awards jury, an independent panel comprised of a powerhouse of cross-industry trailblazers from the worlds of travel and tourism, fashion, culinary, art, retail, culture, adventure and entertainment:
- 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, Conde 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 winners of the inaugural TOURISE Awards will be announced at the TOURISE Summit, taking place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13.
The TOURISE Summit itself will bring together leading voices from across tourism, travel, investment, and innovation; from heads of state and visionary CEOs to creators, disruptors, and global investors. It will serve as a platform to spark bold ideas, build transformative partnerships, and shape new standards for the future of travel. -TradeArabia News Service
