The future is ready for the next era of tourism as the first TOURISE Summit opens | News
With the bold ambition to rewrite the rules of travel, the inaugural TOURISM Top under the protection of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister was officially opened today by HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE.
TOURISE heralds a new era for global tourism, uniting ministers, delegates and visionaries from around the world as the premier platform dedicated to shaping the future of global tourism.
Takes place from November 11-13, 2025Immediately following the 50th United Nations General Assembly of Tourism, TOURISE is rethinking the way industries interact to find opportunities where competitors become partners where investments are optimized and where fragmented silos come together. The event aims to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions and catalyze transformative initiatives that will shape the next 50 years of the global tourism industry.
During his opening speech today, said HE Ahmed Al Khateeb noted that there has never been a more urgent or opportune time for the convergence of sectors to shape global tourism, as the tourism sector has rebounded to historic highs, with international arrivals and investment exceeding pre-pandemic levels. However, he warned that the sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities at the same time: rapid technological disruption, a generational shift towards sustainable and experience-driven travel, and a need to build resilience in the face of economic and environmental uncertainty and growing fragmentation around the world.
His Excellency recognized that TOURISE has arrived at this inflection point, a moment when the world is hungry for new models, new partnerships and new solutions.
“TOURISE is more than an event, it is a platform for action where together we will solve the challenges that have long limited tourism’s full potential, including challenges in skills, investment, infrastructure, sustainability and digital transformation. It is a space where we will work hand in hand to achieve the best outcomes for all: returns for investors; more accessible destinations and affordable experiences for travelers; jobs and prosperity for communities as demand for travel increases. We are not just here to discuss ideas. We are here to take action. is the reason TOURISM exists.”
Over the three days, TOURISE will host a number of key panels and lectures with world leaders from different sectors. Notable global speakers include:
• Ariane Gorin, CEO, Expedia
• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, Founder, onepoint5
• Gloria Guevara, interim CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council
• Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, incoming Secretary-General of UN Tourism
• Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus
• Francis Suarez, mayor, Miami
• Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports
• Lucia Penrod, co-founder and owner, Nikki Beach
• Sébastien Bazin, CEO, Accor
• Eduardo Santander, CEO, European Travel Commission (ETC)
• Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Founder, Nvisible Productions
• Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport
• Steve Hafner, co-founder and CEO, Kayak.com
The speaker lineup showcases how TOURISE unites leaders from industries rarely seen together, creating counter-intuitive, groundbreaking collaborations. These convergences are not only new; they drive new business models, improved traveler experiences, sustainable destination development and investment strategies that can only emerge from such a unique, multi-sector platform.
The Summit will tackle the big questions redefining the future of travel, from AI-powered experiences and frictionless borders to destination design, investments and the race for tomorrow’s travelers, and translate them into action through powerful ministerial dialogues, boardroom dialogues, main stage keynotes and innovation showcases.
The winners of the very first TOURISM prices will also be announced tonight, recognizing places that exemplify destination excellence and meet the evolving expectations of the modern traveler.
TOURISE, powered by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, is more than a three-day summit; it is an always-on, global platform. Crucially, the conversations sparked in Riyadh will continue throughout the year through collaboration and cross-sector partnerships, transforming bold ideas into practical solutions.
