Saudi Arabia Launches TOURISE, Global Platform To Redefine Future Of Tourism
KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has officially launched TOURISE, a groundbreaking global platform designed to shape the future of tourism over the next 50 years.
Announced during a virtual event, TOURISE aims to serve as a year-round initiative connecting public and private sector leaders to drive innovation, sustainability, and investment across the tourism industry, according to a statement.
Minister Al-Khateeb emphasised that tourism is a vital economic force, supporting one in 10 jobs globally, and must adapt to technological and societal shifts.
He said TOURISE will bring together the right minds to develop forward-looking solutions and forge partnerships that make the sector more resilient, connected, and inclusive.
TOURISE will bring together global experts in tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and culture to address sector-wide challenges and unlock transformative opportunities. With support from multilateral institutions and corporate leaders, the platform is expected to facilitate significant investment deals and spotlight emerging technologies.
Unlike traditional conferences, TOURISE is structured for continuous impact through digital collaboration, themed working groups, and cross-sector partnerships. The platform will also produce white papers and global indices in partnership with international organisations, setting new standards for tourism development.
The inaugural TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from Nov 11 to 13 and will focus on four main themes, namely 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 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mid- to large corporations spanning artificial intelligence (AI), mobility, sustainability, and more from innovators across both public and private sectors.
TOURISE aims to unlock major investment deals and provide access to breakthrough technologies through its partnerships with global institutions and private-sector players. The platform’s structure enables faster, more agile responses to shifting market conditions and evolving traveller demands.
As part of the initiative, the TOURISE Awards were also announced to celebrate excellence across sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity, cultural preservation, and workforce development. Nominations open on June 2, with winners unveiled during the summit’s opening night, solidifying TOURISE as a new global stage for tourism leadership and innovation.
-- BERNAMA