Nearly 8,000 Delegates Gather in Riyadh for the Inaugural TOURISE Summit to Change Global Travel Forever and Shape the Future of Tourism in Saudi Arabia and Beyond

Published on November 12, 2025

Nearly 8,000 delegates have gathered in Riyadh for the highly anticipated inaugural TOURISE Summit. This landmark event is set to revolutionize global travel and reshape the future of tourism both in Saudi Arabia and across the world. The summit brings together leaders, innovators, and visionaries from various sectors, united by a shared goal: to address the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry today. With a focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and cross-sector collaboration, TOURISE is more than just a meeting; it is a platform for action.

Delegates will explore new business models, investment strategies, and sustainable solutions that will redefine how we experience travel. As Riyadh hosts this pivotal event, the discussions and partnerships forged here are expected to set the tone for the next generation of tourism, ensuring a bright future for the industry worldwide.

With nearly 8,000 delegates registered for the event, the summit promises to be a defining moment in the tourism sector, aimed at reshaping the future of global travel. The event, which runs from November 11-13, follows the 50th United Nations Tourism General Assembly and sets the stage for dynamic discussions that will influence the next 50 years of tourism. Delegates are eager to address the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, ranging from rapid technological advancements to shifting consumer preferences for sustainable travel.

TOURISE: A Platform for Action

In his opening address, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism and Chairman of TOURISE, highlighted the pressing need for collaboration and innovation in the tourism industry. He noted that the global tourism sector has surged to historic highs, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in both international arrivals and investments. Despite this impressive recovery, Al Khateeb stressed that the sector faces numerous challenges, including rapid technological disruptions, evolving traveler demands, and the need to build resilience against economic and environmental uncertainties.

With the tourism industry at a critical juncture, TOURISE is positioned as a catalyst for change. Al Khateeb emphasized that the summit is not just a gathering to discuss ideas but a platform designed to drive action. Over the course of the event, discussions will focus on critical areas such as skills development, investment opportunities, sustainable tourism practices, and the role of digital transformation in shaping the future of travel.

A Historic Gathering of Global Leaders

TOURISE has attracted some of the most influential figures in the global tourism sector, with over 140 speakers set to share their expertise and insights during the three-day summit. The lineup includes Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia; Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, Founder of onepoint5; Gloria Guevara, Interim CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council; and Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Incoming Secretary General of UN Tourism.

Also among the distinguished speakers are major industry figures such as Luis Maroto, CEO of Amadeus; Francis Suarez, Mayor of Miami; and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. The diverse range of speakers reflects the summit’s goal of fostering cross-sector collaborations and creating new opportunities for growth and innovation in the tourism industry.

Pioneering New Models for Tourism

One of the defining features of TOURISE is its focus on breaking down traditional silos within the tourism sector. The summit seeks to create partnerships between sectors that are typically seen as competitors, encouraging dialogue and collaboration to optimize investments and create new business models. This convergence of diverse industries will help generate innovative solutions that can address the most pressing issues facing global tourism today.

TOURISE’s agenda includes a series of high-powered panel discussions, keynote addresses, and innovation showcases, all designed to spark conversations about the future of travel. Topics covered will include the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing traveler experiences, the future of frictionless borders, sustainable destination development, and strategies for attracting the next generation of global travelers.

The TOURISE Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Destination Management

A highlight of the summit will be the presentation of the first-ever TOURISE Awards, which will honour destinations that excel in meeting the evolving expectations of modern travelers. The awards will recognize outstanding achievements in areas such as sustainability, digital transformation, and innovative tourism practices. The winners will be celebrated for their contributions to shaping the future of tourism and setting new standards for excellence in the industry.

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s Vision for the Future

Powered by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, TOURISE is more than just a three-day event – it is an ongoing, global platform for collaboration and innovation. The summit’s impact will extend far beyond Riyadh, with conversations and partnerships continuing throughout the year. The Saudi government is committed to making the summit an annual event, providing a space for industry leaders to come together and tackle the most pressing issues in tourism.

The overarching goal of TOURISE is to create real-world solutions to the challenges facing the tourism sector. By fostering partnerships, encouraging cross-sector collaborations, and leveraging new technologies, the summit aims to drive positive change in global tourism. With the support of the Saudi government and the active participation of key stakeholders, TOURISE is set to become a key driver of growth and innovation in the global tourism industry.

A New Era for Global Tourism

As the inaugural TOURISE Summit unfolds in Riyadh, the global tourism industry stands on the cusp of a new era. The event has provided a much-needed platform for leaders to address the sector’s most urgent challenges and opportunities, with an eye on creating a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative future for travel. As the discussions unfold, the world is watching closely to see what new partnerships, business models, and solutions will emerge from this historic gathering.

In the years to come, TOURISE is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of global tourism, helping the sector navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world. With its bold ambition, innovative spirit, and commitment to collaboration, the summit represents a critical step forward in the quest to reimagine the future of travel.

Key Takeaways from TOURISE 2025

• The inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh is a game-changer for global tourism, with nearly 8,000 delegates and 140 global speakers.
• The summit serves as a platform for action, where key industry players are working together to address critical challenges such as sustainability, digital transformation, and investment.
• The TOURISE Awards will recognize destinations that excel in catering to the evolving needs of modern travelers.
• Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism is positioning TOURISE as a year-round platform for innovation and collaboration, with the potential to drive long-term growth in the tourism sector.

Source: TOURISE