Finalists Revealed for the 2026 TOURISE Travel Awards

Celebrating Global Travel Innovation: TOURISE Award Finalists

The 2025 TOURISE Awards have revealed their finalists, highlighting twelve world-leading destinations that are revolutionizing the way travelers explore the globe. These carefully selected places symbolize a bold new chapter in tourism, blending cultural depth, adventure, gastronomy, and entertainment to meet the evolving expectations of modern explorers.

The finalists range across continents and showcase diverse experiences — from serene cultural hubs to untamed natural landscapes, vibrant culinary scenes, world-class shopping districts, and buzzing entertainment capitals. The awards not only honor excellence but also spotlight innovation and sustainability in tourism, reflecting a shift toward meaningful, responsible travel.

Spotlight on the Finalists

Chosen from a wide pool of nominations by passionate travelers and industry experts worldwide, these destinations exemplify dynamic storytelling through culture, nature, food, and entertainment. For the 2025 awards, the finalists are featured in five key categories:

Insights Into Each Category

Arts & Culture

1. Kyoto: A harmonious blend of historic temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional crafts thriving alongside contemporary culture.
2. Paris: A timeless cultural beacon with its grand museums, innovative art scene, and vibrant performing arts.
3. New York: A city pulsing with creativity, from iconic museums to electrifying street art and a dynamic theater landscape.

Adventure Destinations

1. Galapagos Islands: A living marvel of biodiversity — volcanic landscapes, rare marine life, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Rich, ancient forest terrain offering rare gorilla tracking and a deep connection to untouched nature.
3. Ancash: Stairway to adventure through rugged peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and welcoming local communities.

Food & Culinary Delights

1. Tokyo: A gastronomic paradise where centuries-old techniques meet Michelin-starred innovation.
2. London: A melting pot of international cuisines combined with modern British traditions.
3. Hong Kong: Contrasts culinary heritage with a skyline of sophisticated dining experiences.

Shopping Hotspots

1. Singapore: Cutting-edge retail spaces merged with cultural bazaars for a shopping experience like no other.
2. Paris: The epitome of style with its haute couture houses, stunning concept stores, and lively flea markets.
3. London: Where historic charm meets avant-garde fashion districts and eclectic marketplaces.

Entertainment Capitals

1. Seoul: A leader in cultural fusion, combining K-pop, digital innovation, and energetic nightlife.
2. Tokyo: Offers exhilarating shows and immersive attractions in an ever-energetic cityscape.
3. Mexico City: Bursting with festivals, vibrant music, and a unique twist of tradition and modern flair.

A Panel of Experts Behind the Selection

The finalists were carefully shortlisted by an independent jury composed of luminaries and industry veterans from diverse sectors including travel, culinary arts, culture, entertainment, retail, and adventure.

This panel brings deep expertise and a passion for inspiring transformative travel experiences. Notable members include former leaders from Forbes Travel Guide, Michelin Guides, British Fashion Council, and renowned explorers and hospitality executives.

History of TOURISE and Its Role in Tourism

The TOURISE platform, operating under the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and powered by the Saudi Tourism Authority, stands at the forefront of global tourism innovation. Since its inception, it has gathered influential leaders, policymakers, and innovators dedicated to reshaping travel towards sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

TOURISE serves as an incubator for ideas redefining tourism’s future by aligning diverse stakeholders to tackle the sector’s challenges and maximize its global benefits. The annual awards highlight exceptional destinations that align with this forward-looking mission, promoting experiences that cultivate cultural bridges and memorable journeys.

Looking Forward: The Future of Global Destinations

As these finalists demonstrate, the future of travel is being built on values of cultural depth, sustainability, and genuine engagement. Travelers increasingly seek authentic, enriching encounters rather than just sightseeing — a trend that will shape the way destinations develop their offerings.

This approach aligns with growing demands for responsible tourism that supports local communities, preserves natural environments, and fosters cross-cultural understanding. Destinations embracing these principles will likely lead the pack in the coming decade, ensuring tourism remains a force for positive global connection.

TOURISE Awards Gala: The Final Reveal

The winners for each category and the overall Best Destination will be unveiled during a gala event at the TOURISE Summit’s opening night, scheduled for November 11 in Riyadh. This inaugural awards event represents a significant milestone in celebrating the trailblazers of contemporary travel.

Summary and Relevance to Boating and Sailing Enthusiasts

While the finalists primarily highlight urban and adventure destinations across arts, culture, cuisine, shopping, and entertainment, many are also located in regions known for rich maritime activities and picturesque coastlines, such as Paris along the Seine and Singapore’s strategic maritime location. For sailing enthusiasts, recognizing these destinations offers insights into potential new waters to explore, nearby lakes and gulfs to navigate, or vibrant harbors to dock in during travels.

As travel trends evolve, activities linked to the sea, boating, and yachting grow increasingly intertwined with the appeal of these destinations. Lakes and marinas near cultural hubs or adventure hotspots may become part of travelers’ itineraries, merging land-based discovery with waterborne freedom.

For those inspired to charter or rent yachts or sailing boats in conjunction with visiting these global hotspots, online marketplaces for boat rentals provide an excellent avenue to enhance the travel experience, offering tailored boating activities that complement cultural or adventure exploration.

In conclusion, the 2025 TOURISE Awards finalists demonstrate how the tourism landscape is being reshaped by destinations that prioritize vivid cultural narratives, sustainable adventure, and unforgettable experiences. As these places set new standards for excellence, the connection between land, sea, and active travel grows stronger—opening new horizons for lovers of both exploration and boating.

Explore the latest travel trends and find opportunities to combine cultural discovery with yachting adventures at GetBoat.com, the international marketplace offering a wide range of sailing boats and yachts to rent for every preference and budget.