The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism recently convened representatives from governments, businesses, investors, and technology experts at a conference to launch an international platform focused on the tourism sector. This platform, called TOURISE, will primarily serve as a meeting point for discussion, agreements, and the promotion of general initiatives within the sector. The first meeting was held from November 11-13th, 2025, in Riyadh, bringing together approximately 8,000 attendees and 140 speakers from various fields, including Ariane Gorin of Expedia, Francis Suarez, Mayor of Miami, and executives from companies such as Amadeus and Accor.
During the summit, two significant announcements were made: firstly, several international and local companies—including Melia Hotels, BWH Hotels, GOCO Hospitality, Cenomi, Radisson, Earth Hotels, Delonix & Ocean Link, AlFozan Holding, Al Kathiri Holding, Alothaim, and Knowledge Economic City—announced a joint portfolio of tourism projects valued at €97 billion, with a significant focus on tourism development in Saudi Arabia; secondly, the TOURISE Destination Initiative was announced, a project that will promote the use of artificial intelligence to improve security in tourist destinations, and which has brought together experts and cities such as Venice, Miami, and Chefchaouen (Morocco).
Beyond this initial event, TOURISE will serve as a permanent working platform, as the organization will maintain a communication channel through its website, in addition to publishing a newsletter for those who wish to follow its activities. The platform’s significance lies in its purpose of functioning as an “engine room” for global tourism. By bringing together policymakers, investors, and technology developers, TOURISE aims to accelerate the transformation of a tourism sector that must adapt quickly. The next summit is scheduled for March 23-25th, 2027, in the Saudi capital.
Sources: Business Wire 1, Business Wire 2, TOURISE.
Images: TOURISE.
