TOURISE Awards 2025: How can you nominate the world’s top destinations?
Riyadh to host TOURISE Summit this November
DUBAI: A new global benchmark in tourism has been launched with the opening of nominations for the TOURISE Awards 2025, now accepting submissions until 9 July.
Organised by TOURISE – the platform supported by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism – the Awards aim to spotlight destinations that combine innovation, cultural depth, and measurable visitor impact.
Unveiled during a virtual press conference on 22 May, the Awards are open to individual travellers, tourism bodies, and industry professionals worldwide. The initiative reflects a growing shift in global tourism – placing cultural identity, visitor value, and sustainability at the core of recognition.
What are the categories?
The TOURISE Awards are structured around five themed categories and one flagship honour. Nominations are being accepted for:
- Best Arts and Culture Destination
- Best Adventure Destination
- Best Food and Culinary Destination
- Best Shopping Destination
- Best Entertainment Destination
A final Best Overall Destination award will go to the destination offering excellence across all travel aspects – setting a new global benchmark for tourism.
Eligible destinations must be clearly defined (such as a city, region, or site), offer a strong cultural or experiential identity, and be supported by an official tourism management authority. Nominees are judged on their ability to create a memorable, meaningful and accessible travel experience.
Who is judging?
The Awards will be decided by a jury of international experts drawn from across travel, fashion, food, art and hospitality. These include:
- Filip Boyen, Former CEO, Forbes Travel Guide
- Michael Ellis, Former Global Director, Michelin Guides
- Fiona Jeffery, Former Chair, World Travel Market
- Caroline Rush, Former CEO, British Fashion Council
- Lars Nittve, Founding Director, Tate Modern
- Omar Samra, UN Goodwill Ambassador and polar explorer
- Albert Read, Former Managing Director, Condé Nast
- Bernold Schroeder, Former CEO, Kempinski Hotels
The panel will evaluate destinations across ten key indicators, grouped under three performance pillars: offering, value, and convenience. Judges will consider aspects such as authenticity, innovation, inclusion, accessibility, accommodation variety, safety, and sustainability.
Where will winners be announced?
The selected winners will be honoured at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, running from 11 to 13 November 2025. The Summit is expected to draw global leaders, travel innovators, investors, and cultural visionaries, making it one of the most influential tourism events of the year.
Participants will engage in panels and discussions designed to redefine the future of travel, build strategic partnerships, and promote responsible growth in global tourism.
Nominations can be submitted through the official portal: www.tourise.com/en/awards
There is no fee to nominate, and entries are welcome from all countries and sectors. Whether you're a traveller with a favourite hidden gem, or a tourism board championing your region’s impact – this is your opportunity to be part of a historic global recognition.