TWELVE GLOBAL DESTINATIONS NAMED FINALISTS FOR 2025 TOURISE AWARDS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- TOURISE, the premier platform shaping a new horizon for global tourism, has unveiled the finalists for the highly anticipated 2025 TOURISE Awards, set to recognise those leading global destinations who are rewriting the very definition of exploration.

“The TOURISE Awards finalists truly embody the bold spirit of innovation and the warm embrace of hospitality that define the modern travel experience. These remarkable cities and regions are not only attracting visitors from across the globe; they are igniting imaginations, building bridges between cultures, and inspiring us all to see the world with fresh eyes.

“As Saudi Arabia leads the way in shaping a sustainable and transformative future for tourism, we are proud to celebrate destinations that set new standards of excellence,” said Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of TOURISE, Ahmed Al-Khateeb in a statement.

Twelve destinations have been named as finalists, setting the pace for the future of tourism, and together they represent global places that are not just changing the game of destination excellence but also setting entirely new rules to cater to the demands of the modern traveller.

Selected from a wide array of nominations submitted by passionate globetrotters, travellers, industry experts, and organisations worldwide, this year’s finalists celebrate places that deliver soul-stirring culture, boundary-pushing experiences, and above all, meaningful and lasting memories.

The 2025 finalists span five categories. In Arts and Culture, the contenders are Kyoto, Paris and New York; for Adventure, the nominees are the Galapagos Islands, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Ancash.

Competing in the Food and Culinary category are Tokyo, London and Hong Kong, while Singapore, Paris and London are shortlisted for Best Shopping. For Entertainment, the finalists are Seoul, Tokyo and Mexico City.

The independent jury, responsible for expertly narrowing down the many nominations to outstanding finalists, is a powerhouse of cross-industry trailblazers, representing the very best from travel and tourism, fashion, culinary arts, retail, culture, adventure, and entertainment.

The winners of the inaugural TOURISE Awards will be announced at a gala event on the opening night of the TOURISE Summit on Nov 11, in Riyadh. The awards are an extension of the TOURISE platform under the umbrella of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism, powered by the Saudi Tourism Authority, in collaboration with global stakeholders.

-- BERNAMA