Riyadh : Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the first edition of the TOURISE Forum kicked off today in Riyadh. Themed “The Next Big Step,” the forum runs until November 13 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, uniting prominent leaders, decision-makers, innovators, and visionaries from the tourism sector.
The inaugural TOURISE Forum follows the 26th session of the UNWTO General Assembly, hosted by the Kingdom, and aims to translate bold ideas into actionable solutions and impactful initiatives that will reshape the global tourism landscape for the next fifty years. The goal is to foster innovation, enhance collaboration among tourism sectors, identify new opportunities for partnership, and improve investment efficiency.
His Excellency Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of TOURISE, delivered the opening address, stating, “TOURISE is not just an event; it’s a collaborative platform to address long-standing challenges in the tourism sector related to skills, investment, infrastructure, sustainability, and digital transformation.”
He added that the platform is designed to create attractive returns for investors, accessible destinations, and unique experiences for travelers while generating job opportunities and economic prosperity for local communities.
Engaging Global Participation
The forum features participation from over 140 international speakers, including prominent figures such as Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group; Gloria Guevara, Acting CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council; and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. Their presence signifies the event’s commitment to fostering rich dialogues and high-quality partnerships across diverse sectors.
The agenda includes over 40 panel discussions and more than 15 workshops centered on four key themes: tackling challenges, harnessing growth opportunities, stimulating significant investments, and developing future policies. Topics range from artificial intelligence in tourism to innovative travel experiences and sustainable tourism practices.
In addition, the forum will focus on five pivotal aspirations that will influence the future of travel: innovative technology, bridging boundaries, attracting the next generation of tourists, creating value through experiences, and shaping future tourism destinations.
TOURISE Awards
The forum’s first day will also announce winners of the 2025 TOURISE Awards, which aim to honor leading tourist destinations that foster cultural connections and provide exceptional experiences. Awards will be presented in five categories: arts and culture, adventure, food and gastronomy, shopping, and entertainment, showcasing twelve global destinations that have successfully redefined the tourism experience.
The TOURISE Forum represents a significant milestone in the global tourism sector, paving the way for future collaboration and innovation.
