H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE/Image: Supplied
The inaugural TOURISE Summit was officially opened by H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE, marking a bold new chapter for global tourism.
With an ambition to rewrite the rules of travel, TOURISE brings together ministers, delegates, and visionaries from around the world, establishing itself as the premier platform dedicated to shaping the future of the global tourism industry.
Taking place from November 11–13, 2025, immediately following the 50th United Nations Tourism General Assembly, TOURISE is reimagining how sectors collaborate — transforming competition into partnership, optimising investment, and breaking down silos to unlock collective growth. The event aims to turn bold ideas into actionable solutions and catalyse initiatives that will define the next 50 years of global tourism.
During his opening speech, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasised that there has never been a more pivotal moment for cross-sector convergence to shape global tourism. He noted that the industry has rebounded to historic highs, with international arrivals and investment surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Yet, he cautioned that the sector also faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, including rapid technological disruption, a generational shift toward sustainable and experience-led travel, and the need to build resilience amid economic and environmental uncertainty.
H.E. Al Khateeb said that TOURISE has emerged at precisely this inflection point, when the world is ready for new models, partnerships, and solutions. “TOURISE is more than an event, it is a platform for action where we will solve for the challenges all together that have long limited tourism’s full potential among them are challenges in skills, investment, infrastructure, sustainability, and digital transformation. It’s a space where we will work hand in hand to deliver the best outcomes for everyone: returns for investors; more accessible destinations and affordable experiences for travelers; jobs and prosperity for communities as the demand for travel increases. We are not here just to discuss ideas. We are here to act. That is why TOURISE exists.”
Over three days, TOURISE will host a high-level programme of panels, keynotes, and dialogues featuring global leaders across industries, including:
• 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 diverse speaker line-up underscores TOURISE’s ability to unite leaders from sectors rarely seen together, fostering unconventional collaborations that challenge industry boundaries. These cross-sector convergences are expected to drive new business models, enhance traveller experiences, promote sustainable destination development, and reshape investment strategies.
Read: TOURISE unveils global Advisory Board ahead of inaugural Riyadh summit
The Summit will address the defining questions of travel’s future — from AI-driven experiences and frictionless borders to destination design, sustainable investment, and the competition for tomorrow’s travellers. Through ministerial dialogues, boardroom discussions, innovation showcases, and main-stage sessions, these ideas will be transformed into action.
The inaugural TOURISE Awards will also be presented this evening, honouring destinations that exemplify excellence and meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers.
Powered by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, TOURISE extends beyond the three-day summit. It will serve as a year-round, global platform — continuing the conversations sparked in Riyadh through cross-sector collaboration, partnerships, and innovation to transform visionary ideas into real-world impact.
