Saudi Arabia continues to position itself at the forefront of global tourism transformation with the inaugural TOURISE Summit 2025, officially opened today under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The event was inaugurated by H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of TOURISE.
Held from November 11 to 13, 2025, immediately following the 50th United Nations Tourism General Assembly, the TOURISE Summit is more than a conference it’s a transformative platform for action.
Its mission is to reimagine how industries interact turning competition into partnership, maximizing investment opportunities, and breaking down silos between sectors. TOURISE aims to turn bold ideas into practical, real-world solutions that will shape the tourism landscape for decades to come.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasized that this is a pivotal time for the global tourism sector. With international arrivals and tourism investment surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the industry is experiencing record growth but also facing new challenges.
“There has never been a more urgent or opportune moment for collaboration across sectors,” said H.E. Al Khateeb. “TOURISE is more than an event it’s a platform for action. Together, we will address challenges in skills, investment, sustainability, infrastructure, and digital transformation to unlock tourism’s full potential.”
He highlighted the growing importance of technology, sustainability, and experience-driven travel, as well as the need to build resilience amid economic and environmental uncertainty.
The three-day summit brings together some of the most influential figures in global tourism, technology, hospitality, and investment. Featured speakers include:
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Ariane Gorin, CEO, Expedia
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Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, Founder, onepoint5
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Gloria Guevara, Interim CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council
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Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Incoming Secretary General, UN Tourism
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Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus
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Francis Suarez, Mayor of Miami
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Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports
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Lucia Penrod, Co-Founder & Owner, Nikki Beach
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Sébastien Bazin, CEO, Accor
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Eduardo Santander, CEO, European Travel Commission (ETC)
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Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Founder, Nvisible Productions
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Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport
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Steve Hafner, Co-Founder & CEO, Kayak.com
This dynamic speaker lineup showcases TOURISE’s ability to unite leaders from diverse industries, creating groundbreaking collaborations and innovative strategies that will shape the tourism of tomorrow.
Throughout the summit, key discussions will explore how artificial intelligence, data innovation, sustainable development, and investment strategies are transforming the travel industry. Attendees will engage in ministerial and boardroom dialogues, keynote sessions, and innovation showcases designed to inspire action and create measurable change.
The summit will also feature the first-ever TOURISE Awards, celebrating destinations that exemplify innovation, sustainability, and excellence in tourism. These awards highlight destinations that meet the evolving expectations of modern travelers while promoting responsible and sustainable growth.
Powered by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, TOURISE extends beyond its three-day event. It serves as a year-round global platform for collaboration, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships ensuring that the ideas and initiatives born in Riyadh continue to drive impact worldwide.
With TOURISE, Saudi Arabia reinforces its leadership in global tourism creating a bridge between innovation, investment, and sustainability for the next generation of travelers.
