Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, his excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, officially launched TOURISE, a global platform redefining tourism’s future and vision.
Built with ambition and foresight, TOURISE charts a strategic roadmap for the next 50 years of sustainable, innovative and inclusive tourism. Furthermore, the platform unites leaders from public and private sectors to address critical challenges and seize transformative opportunities globally.
By connecting experts in tourism, technology, investment, culture and sustainability, TOURISE strengthens collaboration and innovation across multiple international sectors.
A year-round platform for global tourism collaboration
Unlike conventional events, TOURISE will operate year-round through digital programs, strategic partnerships, research initiatives and thematic working groups globally. Additionally, it fosters cross-sector alliances that drive measurable transformation while promoting sustainable growth and equitable opportunities for communities worldwide. Through partnerships with multilateral institutions and private innovators, TOURISE will unlock major investment flows and access breakthrough technologies effectively. Moreover, it will produce white papers and global indices on tourism, sustainability and the economy, establishing industry benchmarks for strategic planning.
TOURISE Summit 2025
The inaugural TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from November 11-13, 2025, with worldwide livestream coverage. The program will explore four core themes, each designed to inspire innovation, collaboration and sustainable transformation across global tourism sectors. These themes include ‘The Future of AI-Powered Tourism,’ ‘The Great Tourism Reset,’ ‘Rebooting the Travel Experience’ and ‘Tourism That Works’.
An Innovation Zone will feature advanced solutions from startups and corporations focused on artificial intelligence, mobility and sustainability within tourism.
Tourism’s economic power
TOURISE will provide the framework for global leaders to navigate disruptions and guide tourism toward innovative, inclusive and sustainable futures effectively. During the virtual launch, his excellency emphasized tourism’s global importance, supporting one in 10 jobs and driving economic resilience worldwide. He stated, “Tourism is one of the most dynamic, connective forces in the world’s economy, supporting one in 10 jobs globally. As the sector evolves, it must adapt to technological disruption, changing traveler expectations and urgent sustainability challenges simultaneously.
TOURISE will unite global leaders to develop innovative solutions, build partnerships and make tourism more resilient, connected and inclusive. The platform will accelerate adoption of technologies, investment opportunities and sustainable business models, transforming tourism worldwide for decades ahead.”
The TOURISE advisory board includes global leaders such as Mario Enzesberger, Mo Gawdat, Stephane Lefebvre, Luis Maroto, Julia Simpson and Thomas Woldbye. Additionally, the newly announced TOURISE Awards will celebrate outstanding achievements in sustainability, inclusivity, cultural preservation and digital transformation. Nominations ran through the summer, with winners to be revealed during the opening night of the Riyadh TOURISE Summit, scheduled for November 11-13, 2025.
Shaping the next chapter of global tourism
Ultimately, TOURISE reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership as a driver of collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth in global tourism development effectively. Through this initiative, the kingdom strengthens partnerships with UN Tourism, WTTC and the World Economic Forum to shape international strategies. Therefore, TOURISE stands as a transformative platform connecting industries, innovators and investors to shape the next chapter of global tourism.
