Riyadh: Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the inaugural TOURISE Summit opened at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh under the theme "The Giant Step Into the Future." The summit will run until November 13.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event brings together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry experts to discuss how innovation and technology can shape the future of tourism. Held following the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly hosted by Saudi Arabia, the summit aims to turn ideas into practical initiatives that would guide global tourism development over the next five decades. It also focuses on strengthening collaboration across sectors, improving investment efficiency, and promoting integration within the tourism industry.
Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of TOURISE, said the summit provides a joint platform to address challenges affecting the sector, including skills, investment, infrastructure, sustainability, and digital transformation. He added that TOURISE seeks to turn ideas into tangible results, delivering returns for investors, accessible travel experiences for tourists, and economic opportunities for local communities.
More than 140 speakers are taking part in the summit, including leading figures such as Ariane Gorin, Expedia CEO; Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, onepoint5 Founder; Gloria Guevara, World Travel and Tourism Council Interim CEO; Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, UN Tourism Incoming Secretary-General; Luis Maroto, Amadeus CEO; Francis Suarez, Miami Mayor; Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports CEO; Lucia Penrod, Nikki Beach Co-Founder and Owner; S©bastien Bazin, Accor CEO; Eduardo Santander, European Travel Commission (ETC) CEO; Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Nvisible Productions Founder; Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow Airport CEO; and Steve Hafner, Kayak.com Co-Founder and CEO.
The programme includes over 40 panel discussions and 15 workshops covering innovation, investment, policy development, and sustainable tourism. Sessions also discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism, the evolution of traveller experiences, and future destination design.
The summit's first edition focuses on five main areas: technology and innovation, connectivity, attracting new generations of travellers, enhancing the tourism experience, and developing the destinations of the future. During the opening day, the winners of the 2025 TOURISE Awards were announced, recognising destinations for excellence in cultural exchange and unique visitor experiences across five categories: arts and culture, adventure, food and culinary, shopping, and entertainment. Twelve global destinations were honoured for redefining travel and promoting creative, experience-driven tourism.