The very first winners of the TOURISE Awards have been announced, recognising the destinations redefining exploration, hospitality, and cultural connection for the modern traveller, setting new benchmarks for innovation and excellence to deliver truly unforgettable visitor experiences.
Taking place as
part of the inaugural TOURISE Summit, held under the patronage of Prince
Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister,
Tokyo, Japan, emerged as the big winner, clinching the coveted title of Best
Overall Destination.
In addition, Tokyo
was also recognised as both the Best Food & Culinary and Best Entertainment
destination, affirming its status as a global capital of innovation, energy,
and unforgettable experiences.
2025 Individual
Category Winners
Selected by an
independent cross-sector jury and chosen from an extensive slate of nominations
submitted by travellers, industry leaders, and organisations worldwide, this
year’s winners exemplify soul stirring culture, boundary pushing experiences,
and meaningful, lasting memories. The winners represent destinations that have
elevated culture and the arts into immersive experiences, took adventure to new
levels, transformed local produce into world‑class culinary ecosystems,
redefined retail as creative placemaking, and animated cityscapes with boundary‑breaking
entertainment
The full list of
category winners for this year are:
“Tonight’s winners
are not just places on a map, they are living, breathing inspirations that
unite cultures and spark imaginations,” His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb,
Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of TOURISE, said. His Excellency
continued, “TOURISE is shaping the next 50 years of travel, and these
destinations define what purposeful and transformative tourism can achieve.
Each reflects what today’s traveller increasingly seeks; authenticity,
creativity, and experiences that connect people to place and purpose. We take
inspiration from their vision and ambition, as together we shape a tourism
future that inspires progress, strengthens communities, and brings the world
closer together.”
A Night to Remember
The prestigious
awards were presented at a dazzling gala dinner at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton, with
a culinary journey curated by chef Nawal Alkhalawi and a show-stopping live
performance by international vocal sensation Loren Allred who captivated the
room in a stunning gown by Saudi fashion designer Mashael Al Faris, paired with
exquisite jewellery from APOA (A Piece of Art) - a Saudi brand born in Riyadh.
The night embodied the spirit of global hospitality and cultural exchange that
sit at the heart of the TOURISE vision. With a focus on storytelling through
the language of food, the menu paid tribute to Saudi Arabia’s diverse regional
cuisines, thoughtfully infused with global influences to surprise and delight
guests.
Judged by Global
Icons
The Awards’
independent, cross-sector jury panel included former leaders of Forbes Travel
Guide, Michelin Guides, Tate Modern, Condé Nast, the British Fashion Council,
and more, bringing together unrivalled expertise from across the worlds of
travel, fashion, food, and entertainment.
The panel included:
