Saudi Arabia’s TOURISE Forum has unveiled 12 prestigious destinations as finalists for its 2025 Awards, marking a significant milestone in recognizing global excellence in tourism innovation and cultural exchange. The announcement, made in Riyadh on October 30, 2025, follows an extensive evaluation process that considered traveler recommendations, expert assessments, and input from specialized international institutions.
Context and Background
The TOURISE Awards, established as a premier international initiative under the chairmanship of Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, represents a strategic effort to acknowledge destinations that excel in creating transformative travel experiences while fostering cross-cultural understanding. The awards program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to elevate global tourism standards and promote cultural exchange.
This year’s selection process has been particularly noteworthy for its comprehensive approach, incorporating both visitor experiences and expert evaluations to identify destinations that are reshaping the modern tourism landscape.
Award Categories and Finalists
The finalists span four distinct categories, each representing excellence in specific aspects of tourism. In the Best Arts and Culture Destination category, cultural powerhouses Kyoto, Paris, and New York City have emerged as finalists. The Best Adventure Destination category features the Galápagos Islands and Ancash, while Tokyo, London, and Hong Kong compete for Best Food and Culinary Destination. The Best Entertainment Destination category sees Seoul, Tokyo, and Mexico City vying for top honors.
Global Impact and Innovation
Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized how the finalist destinations exemplify innovation and hospitality in modern tourism. These locations have demonstrated exceptional ability to attract international visitors while creating meaningful cultural connections and transformative travel experiences.
The winners will be revealed at the upcoming TOURISE 2025 Forum in Riyadh, scheduled for November 11-13, 2025. This high-profile event will bring together global leaders and experts from various sectors, including tourism, culture, investment, and technology.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The TOURISE Forum and its awards program represent a key component of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing a vibrant tourism sector as outlined in Vision 2030. By hosting this prestigious international event and facilitating global tourism dialogue, the Kingdom continues to position itself as a leading force in shaping the future of global tourism while fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.