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Held as part of the inaugural TOURISE Summit, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the event honored the best in tourism excellence during a gala ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh.Tokyo takes center stage
Tokyo, Japan, emerged as the big winner of the night, clinching the coveted title of Best Overall Destination. The Japanese capital also earned top honors as Best Food & Culinary Destination and Best Entertainment Destination, reinforcing its global reputation as a city of innovation, creativity, and unforgettable energy.
2025 category winners
The winners were selected by an independent international jury representing multiple sectors of travel, culture, fashion, and hospitality. The panel evaluated an extensive list of nominations submitted by travelers, tourism organizations, and industry leaders worldwide.
This year’s winners are:
- Best Arts & Culture Destination: New York, USA – A dynamic metropolis where iconic museums, neighborhood theaters, and creative energy merge across every corner.
- Best Adventure Destination: Ancash, Peru – An Andean paradise defined by turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks, and world-renowned trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca.
- Best Food & Culinary Destination: Tokyo, Japan – A global culinary capital balancing street-side authenticity with world-class innovation.
- Best Shopping Destination: Paris, France – The “City of Lights” fusing haute couture heritage with contemporary design, reimagining retail as cultural discovery.
- Best Entertainment Destination: Tokyo, Japan – From immersive attractions and global theme parks to a vibrant nightlife and music scene, Tokyo continues to captivate.
Celebrating destinations that inspire
“Tonight’s winners are not just places on a map, they are living, breathing inspirations that unite cultures and spark imaginations,” said His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of TOURISE.He 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 traveler seeks – authenticity, creativity, and experiences that connect people to place and purpose.”
A night of global hospitality and cultural exchange
The gala evening at the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, featured a culinary journey curated by chef Nawal Alkhalawi and a live performance by international vocalist Loren Allred, who performed in a gown designed by Saudi fashion designer Mashael Al Faris, complemented by jewelry from Riyadh-born brand APOA (A Piece of Art).
The event’s menu highlighted Saudi Arabia’s diverse regional cuisines, blending local ingredients with global influences – a reflection of the TOURISE mission to connect cultures through the universal language of hospitality.
Judged by global icons
The Awards’ cross-sector jury included world leaders from travel, culture, and lifestyle, among them:
- Filip Boyen, Former CEO, Forbes Travel Guide
- Michael Ellis, Former Global Director, Michelin Guides
- Fiona Jeffery, Former Chair, World Travel Market
- Renaud de Lesquen, Former CEO, Givenchy; Former President, Dior AM
- Lars Nittve, Founding Director, Tate Modern
- Albert Read, Former Managing Director, Condé Nast
- Caroline Rush, Former CEO, British Fashion Council
- Omar Samra, UN Goodwill Ambassador and Explorer
- Bernold Schroeder, Former CEO, Kempinski & Pan Pacific
A new benchmark for global tourism excellence
The TOURISE Awards 2025 have set a new global benchmark for recognizing destinations that blend culture, creativity, and sustainability to deliver transformative travel experiences. As the journey continues, TOURISE remains committed to uncovering and celebrating the world’s most inspiring destinations — those that spark curiosity, foster connection, and shape the future of global travel for a new generation of explorers.
Tags: Ahmed Al-Khateeb, TOURISE
