Saudi Arabia unveils bold new platform to redefine tourism sector

Trade Arabia

22-05-2025

​The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has unveiled TOURISE - a bold global platform set to redefine and shape a new horizon for tourism at scale. It is set to unite visionary public and private sector leaders across tourism, investment and sustainability ecosystems.
It was officially launched today (May 22) by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb in a move that has been designed to shape a new horizon and plot a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of tourism.
Anchored by a high-level advisory board of global industry leaders, TOURISE aims to unlock unprecedented deal flow and high-value investment opportunities that will reset the industry.
Built for ambition and backed by vision, TOURISE will convene a dynamic cross-section of public and private sector industry giants for the first time.
The inaugural invite-only TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13 and will extend as a year-round platform to shape how the world travels, connects and grows.
The program, which will also be livestreamed, will focus on four core themes: The Future of AI-Powered Tourism – Innovate or Fade; The Great Tourism Reset – Disruptive Business Models and Investment; Rebooting the Travel Experience – Upgrade in Progress; and Tourism that Works – for People, Planet, and Progress.
A dedicated Innovation Zone will showcase breakthrough technologies and solutions from SMEs and mid to large corporations spanning AI, mobility, sustainability, and more from innovators across both public and private sectors.
Visionary leaders with tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and cultural expertise will be connected to tackle critical challenges, unlock transformative opportunities and set the agenda for a sector that is sustainable, equitable and future-focused, it stated.
Along with global partners from multilateral institutions to private sector leaders, TOURISE is designed to unlock major, unprecedented deal flow, with high-value investment opportunities and access to breakthrough technologies set to be announced and activated through the platform, it added.
The inaugural TOURISE Awards were also announced today - a stand-out recognition program celebrating destination excellence across the global tourism ecosystem.
The awards will spotlight notable achievements in sustainability, digital transformation, inclusive tourism, cultural preservation, and workforce development. Nomination submissions will open on June 2, and award winners will be announced on the opening night of the TOURISE Summit.
Accompanying TOURISE Awards program will recognize best-in-class destinations delivering travel experiences that are purposeful, unforgettable, and aligned with the evolving expectations of today's travellers.
"TOURISE is no ordinary event; it is a global platform structured for year-round impact at scale through digital collaboration, thematic working groups, and cross-sector partnerships focused on long-term sector transformation," said a company spokesman.
"This will include authoring a series of white papers and global indices focused on tourism, sustainability and global economy, co-developed with leading international organizations, setting new benchmarks for the tourism sector," he stated.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), this year tourism is on a strong upward trajectory, with the sector projected to contribute $11.7 trillion to the global economy -10.3% of global GDP - highlighting a strong recovery.
Yet, challenges such as shifting market dynamics, evolving traveler preferences, and capacity constraints continue to pose risks to maintain progress. At this critical juncture, TOURISE provides the strategic support needed to navigate these headwinds and sustain momentum.
Speaking at the virtual launch today, Minister Al Khateeb said: "Tourism is one of the most dynamic, connective forces in the world's economy, supporting one in ten jobs globally. But as the world evolves, the sector must too."
"Whether adapting to technological disruption and changing traveller expectations, to addressing the urgent calls for sustainability and a more equitable approach to travel, TOURISE will be the much-needed platform to shape the future of tourism. It will unite the right people to develop innovative solutions and build partnerships, enabling the tourism sector to be more resilient, connected, and inclusive than ever before," he added.
Julia Simpson, World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO, and TOURISE Advisory Board Member, said: "We are delighted to be a part of this global initiative and continue our long-standing collaboration across the entire tourism ecosystem."
"For this industry to evolve and reach its full potential, public-private sector collaboration is critical to the continued success of Travel & Tourism worldwide. Together, we can address the challenges of today while co-creating a sustainable and innovative future for tomorrow," he added.