TOURISE Summit Opens In Riyadh, Redefining The Future Of Global Travel

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia has unveiled the inaugural TOURISE Summit under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, marking the launch of a landmark global platform aimed at reshaping the future of tourism.

The event was officially opened by Minister of Tourism and TOURISE Chairman Ahmed Al Khateeb, according to a statement.

Taking place from Nov 11 to 13, the summit follows the 50th United Nations Tourism General Assembly and gathers ministers, business leaders, and innovators from across the world to accelerate tourism’s evolution into a more connected, sustainable, and technology-driven sector.

In his keynote, Ahmed declared that the world stands at a “defining moment” for the industry, as international arrivals and investments soar past pre-pandemic levels. Yet, he cautioned that the sector faces “unprecedented disruption” from new technologies, shifting travel values, and global economic and environmental uncertainties.

“TOURISE is more than an event; it is a platform for action where we will solve long-standing challenges in skills, investment, infrastructure, sustainability, and digital transformation—to deliver results for travellers, communities, and investors alike,” he said.

The summit’s speaker lineup features an impressive cross-section of global leaders, from Ariane Gorin (Expedia) and Sébastien Bazin (Accor) to Francis Suarez (Mayor of Miami) and Paul Griffiths (Dubai Airports), representing sectors rarely seen on the same stage. Their presence underscores TOURISE’s mission to unite tourism, technology, and investment under one forward-looking platform.

Over the course of three days, discussions will explore artificial intelligence-powered experiences, frictionless borders, destination design, and investment models to meet the expectations of tomorrow’s travellers.

The TOURISE Awards, to be presented, will honour destinations leading the way in innovation and excellence.

Backed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, TOURISE aims to live beyond the summit—as an always-on, year-round platform driving collaboration, investment, and transformative action across the global tourism ecosystem.

-- BERNAMA