The travel world has a new standard. The TOURISE Awards 2025 have officially announced their first-ever winners, a lineup of destinations redefining what it means to explore, connect, and experience. From culinary capitals to adventure hotspots, the TOURISE Awards 2025 highlight cities and regions that are pushing boundaries and creating meaningful moments for travelers everywhere.
Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the TOURISE Awards 2025 took place as part of the TOURISE Summit, a global gathering dedicated to innovation in tourism and hospitality.
Tokyo Takes the Crown
This year, Tokyo, Japan, emerged as the ultimate standout at the TOURISE Awards 2025, earning the prestigious title of Best Overall Destination. Tokyo didn’t stop there, it also claimed the top spots for Best Food & Culinary Destination and Best Entertainment Destination, strengthening its reputation as a city that brings tradition, creativity, and so much more.
With its Michelin-starred eateries, neon-lit nightlife, and culture that has many stories, Tokyo is proof that the future of tourism is all about innovation and depth.
Celebrating Culture, Adventure, and Flavor
The TOURISE Awards 2025 didn’t just honor the big names, they focused on destinations that know how to move people, literally and emotionally.
- Best Arts & Culture Destination: New York, USA: where museum halls meet underground art scenes and creativity lives on every block.
- Best Adventure Destination: Ancash, Peru: home to the Cordillera Blanca’s glacial lakes and Andean trails made for thrill-seekers.
- Best Shopping Destination: Paris, France: the eternal style capital where fashion meets storytelling.
- Best Food & Culinary Destination: Tokyo, Japan: mastering the art of flavor and precision.
- Best Entertainment Destination: Tokyo, Japan: proving no one does excitement quite like the Japanese capital.
Each winner represents the TOURISE vision, destinations that blend authenticity with creativity to build something remarkable and unforgettable.
A Night That Defined Global Hospitality
Hosted at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton, the TOURISE Awards 2025 gala brought together culture, food, and art in a night that captured the spirit of global connection. Guests experienced a menu curated by Chef Nawal Alkhalawi, inspired by Saudi Arabia’s regional cuisines, while international singer Loren Allred performed in a gown by Saudi designer Mashael Al Faris, styled with jewelry from APOA, a brand proudly born in Riyadh.
The night perfectly captured what the TOURISE Awards 2025 are all about; global excellence with local creativity.
Judged by Icons, Backed by Visionaries
The TOURISE Awards 2025 brought together an impressive jury of global leaders from across travel, art, and fashion, including former heads of Forbes Travel Guide, Michelin Guides, Tate Modern, Condé Nast, and the British Fashion Council.
By choosing these winners, the panel revealed what today’s travelers value most: authenticity, creativity, and experiences that leave a lasting impression.
A New Chapter for Global Tourism
The TOURISE Awards 2025 show that the best travel is the kind that surprises, connects, and leaves a mark.
As TOURISE continues to shine a light on cities and regions across the world, each new award season becomes a reminder that travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how a place makes you feel.
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