TOURISE Awards unveils shortlist of world-leading destinations
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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
