Recognizing the World's Most Exceptional Destinations: Nominations Now Open for the Inaugural TOURISE Awards
The TOURISE Awards spotlight the world's most impactful destinations, celebrating culture, connection, and innovation in travel.
Five categories are open for nominations, with a flagship award selected by an independent jury of global tourism experts.
Nominations are open until July 9 and winners will be honored at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, taking place from November 11–13, 2025.
Article content
Article content
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The TOURISE Awards officially launched today as a new global benchmark celebrating excellence in tourism destinations. Created to honor places that are shaping the future of travel, the Awards spotlight destinations delivering meaningful, memorable, and measurable value across the traveler journey. Nominations are now open to individual travelers, industry professionals, and organizations passionate about recognizing the world's most exceptional places.
Article content
The TOURISE Awards are an extension of the TOURISE platform powered by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism and announced via a virtual press conference on May 22, 2025.
Article content
In line with the TOURISE ethos, the Awards take a bold stance recognizing destinations with a strong sense of identity, measurable impact, and responsible management. Eligible destinations must have (i) a defined geographic scope (a city, region or site), (ii) a distinct identity and character that stems from culture, landscapes and attractions that shape how the destination is perceived by travelers, and finally (iii) must be backed by a tourism governing body responsible for ensuring a destination is effectively managed.
Article content
The TOURISE Awards feature five distinct award categories: Best Arts and Culture Destination, Best Adventure Destination, Best Food and Culinary Destination, Best Shopping Destination, and Best Entertainment Destination. In addition, a flagship Best Overall Destination award will recognize the destination that excels across all aspects of the traveler experience — setting a new global benchmark as the most exceptional place to visit.
Article content
Jean-Philippe Cossé, CEO of TOURISE, said: 'Tourism is not just a key economic engine — it's a powerful connector of cultures, a builder of communities, and a driver of sustainable change. As the industry undergoes a bold transformation, it's more crucial than ever to spotlight the destinations that are leading with vision, purpose, and resilience. The TOURISE Awards are our tribute to those extraordinary places that don't just welcome travelers — they inspire them, challenge the status quo, and push the boundaries of what tourism can achieve. These awards put destinations at the center of the global conversation, celebrating the pioneers who are shaping the future of travel.'
Article content
The TOURISE Awards will be judged by an independent jury panel comprised of a powerhouse of cross-industry trailblazers from the worlds of travel and tourism, fashion, culinary, art, retail, culture, adventure and entertainment:
Article content
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.
Article content
Eligible destinations will be evaluated across 10 assessment criteria, grouped into three key areas, which make up the destination experience: offering, value, convenience. Judges will assess how destinations perform across these areas — considering what they offer, how accessible and visitor-friendly they are, the overall value they provide, and most importantly, the quality and impact of the experience. This includes looking at factors such as authenticity, innovation, inclusion, sustainability, accessibility, accommodation variety, and safety, all of which contribute to a destination's ability to deliver a meaningful and memorable journey.
Article content
The winners of the inaugural TOURISE Awards will be announced at the TOURISE Summit, taking place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13. The Summit 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.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Contacts
Article content
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
10 hours ago
- CTV News
Summer tourism season in Ottawa
Ottawa Watch Canada Day kicked-off what is expected to be a busy summer tourism season in the capital. CTV's Peter Szperling reports.
CTV News
18 hours ago
- CTV News
Vacation Week: Tips to find last-minute trips
If you've got some time off but don't have any trips planned yet, Lorraine Simpson shows you how to book a last-minute trip to make the most of your vacation time this summer!
Globe and Mail
18 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
More Mexico awaits! WestJet expands codeshare partnership with Aeromexico, unlocking 10 new destinations
CALGARY, AB , July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced an expansion of its reciprocal codeshare partnership with Aeromexico, offering guests on both sides of the continent enhanced access to a broader network of destinations all with the ease of a single booking. Available today, guests travelling to and from WestJet's Canadian network, including its global hub in Calgary , can expand their horizons to some of the airlines' most interesting destinations with the convenience of booking their entire journey on one ticket, seamless single connection, baggage transfers and earning WestJet Rewards throughout. "As the number one Canadian carrier to Mexico , WestJet's expanded partnership with Aeromexico represents a meaningful step forward in deepening the airline's commitment to the region," said John Weatherill , WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Our longstanding partnership has always reflected a shared vision to better connect communities across North America . This expansion reinforces our commitment to delivering seamless, accessible travel for our guests, and signals our intent to grow with purpose and partnership for years to come." "As Mexico's Global Airline, our goal is to connect Mexico with the world. To achieve this, partnerships with great allies such as WestJet are essential. We are thrilled about this expansion, through which we will connect WestJet's clients to our domestic network and show the best of Mexico . On the other hand, we will be pleased to offer Aeromexico's travellers more destinations across Canada ", said Jose Zapata , Vice-President of Sales for US, Canada and Latin America . Additional codeshare destinations for WestJet guests travelling south From cultural capital cities to hidden gems by the sea, WestJet guests can now enjoy streamlined access to more than 30 destinations across Mexico ; ideal for discovering ancient ruins, vibrant culinary scenes or coastal escapes. With codeshare service already available to major Mexican cities such as Guadalajara and Monterrey , guests can also now enjoy expanded connectivity to additional destinations, including: Aguascalientes Ciudad Obregon Ciudad Juarez Durango Oaxaca Puerto Escondido Tampico Tuxtla Gutierrez Torreon Veracruz Additional codeshare destinations for Aeromexico guests travelling North The partnership expansion opens options for Mexico -based guests looking to see the best of Canada . Guests travelling from across Aeromexico's network now have access to connect to more than 20 uniquely Canadian destinations from coast-to-coast-to-coast with WestJet including Victoria , Regina , Saskatoon , Ottawa and Halifax . In addition, starting today, guests will have access to three new popular British Columbia destinations including Comox , Cranbrook and Nanaimo as well as the return of codeshare service to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada , cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America , Central America , the Caribbean , Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at (also available in French) Follow WestJet on Facebook at Follow WestJet on X at and Follow WestJet on Instagram at Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V., is a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in commercial and cargo aviation in Mexico , training, assistance, and maintenance, as well as the control of its passenger loyalty program: Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Aeromexico Cargo, Aeromexico Formacion, Aeromexico Servicios and Aeromexico Rewards. The company is Mexico's global airline and has its main hub at Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features Mexico , the United States , Canada , Central America , South America , Asia , and Europe . The Group's operating fleet is comprised of Boeing 787 and 737 jet airliners and Embraer 190 models. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which celebrated its 25th anniversary and serves 184 countries with its 18 SkyTeam airline partners.
