Tokyo Dominates TOURISE Awards 2025: A New Era of Travel Excellence and Cultural Discovery

The first-ever winners of the TOURISE Awards have been unveiled, recognizing the destinations that are revolutionizing the way we explore the world, redefine hospitality, and foster cultural connections. These prestigious awards, presented as part of the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, have set new standards for innovation and excellence in global tourism. Celebrating these exceptional destinations, the awards spotlight those who have elevated the travel experience and delivered unforgettable memories for modern travelers.

The TOURISE Awards, which honor destinations across five key categories — Arts & Culture, Adventure, Food & Culinary, Shopping, and Entertainment — have recognized Tokyo, Japan, as the top winner, cementing its status as a global leader in providing transformative and memorable visitor experiences.

Tokyo’s Triumphant Win: Best Overall Destination and More

Tokyo emerged as the dominant winner at the TOURISE Awards, clinching the coveted title of Best Overall Destination. This recognition highlights Tokyo’s ability to combine tradition and modernity, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, culinary excellence, and vibrant entertainment. Tokyo’s innovative approach to hospitality has made it a global hub for exploration, providing an unmatched blend of history, innovation, and future-forward experiences.

In addition to winning Best Overall Destination, Tokyo also secured two other prestigious titles: Best Food & Culinary Destination and Best Entertainment Destination. The city’s food scene is renowned worldwide for its deep culinary heritage, from humble sushi counters to exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals. Tokyo’s entertainment offerings are equally impressive, with everything from globally recognized theme parks to cutting-edge music and cultural scenes.

These accolades confirm Tokyo’s position as a destination that offers more than just a place to visit but a comprehensive, immersive experience that resonates with travelers seeking authenticity, energy, and creativity.

Celebrating the Best of Global Tourism: 2025 Individual Category Winners

The 2025 TOURISE Awards recognized not only Tokyo but also celebrated a diverse array of destinations from around the world that have redefined what it means to offer unique and unforgettable experiences. The winners were selected by an independent cross-sector jury panel composed of industry experts, travelers, and organizations from across the globe. These destinations exemplify the highest standards of creativity, culture, and innovation, bringing forth experiences that leave lasting impressions on travelers.

Best Arts & Culture Destination: New York, USA

New York, USA, claimed the title of Best Arts & Culture Destination. The city’s vibrant arts scene blends marquee museums and world-class theater with the rich, off-Broadway culture found in its many neighborhoods. The diversity of New York’s cultural offerings creates a space where visitors can find their own unique scene, whether it’s on the streets, in local galleries, or at iconic venues like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or Lincoln Center. New York’s ability to integrate cultural heritage into its dynamic urban life makes it a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts.

Best Adventure Destination: Ancash, Peru

Ancash, Peru, was named the Best Adventure Destination for 2025. Located in the Andean region of Peru, Ancash offers travelers the chance to experience some of the most iconic and dramatic landscapes in the world. The region is home to the Cordillera Blanca, known for its turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and high-altitude hiking trails. Ancash is a haven for adventurers seeking challenging outdoor experiences in one of the most breathtaking natural environments, offering everything from mountaineering to trekking along ancient Incan paths.

Best Food & Culinary Destination: Tokyo, Japan

As mentioned, Tokyo won the Best Food & Culinary Destination category, reaffirming its reputation as a culinary capital. The city is a global leader in innovation and culinary depth, offering a spectrum of dining experiences, from modest sushi counters to Michelin-starred kaiseki meals. Tokyo’s unique culinary ecosystem, built on centuries-old traditions blended with modern techniques, provides visitors with an unparalleled food journey. The city’s food scene is a key component of its cultural identity, making it an essential destination for food lovers worldwide.

Best Shopping Destination: Paris, France

Paris, France, took home the award for Best Shopping Destination. As the global fashion capital, Paris continues to captivate travelers with its couture boutiques, designer ateliers, and chic concept stores. The city’s shopping scene seamlessly blends historic elegance with contemporary trends, offering visitors an immersive experience that redefines shopping as cultural discovery. Paris’s retail spaces offer a unique opportunity to explore living heritage and modern creativity, making it a dream destination for fashion enthusiasts and those seeking luxury.

Best Entertainment Destination: Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s Best Entertainment Destination award celebrates its dynamic, forward-looking entertainment scene. The city offers world-class theme parks, immersive indoor attractions, and a thriving music and cultural scene that caters to all types of travelers. Whether it’s a visit to Tokyo Disneyland, exploring futuristic entertainment districts, or enjoying traditional arts, Tokyo provides a wealth of options to entertain and captivate visitors of all ages.

TOURISE Awards Gala: A Night to Remember

The winners of the TOURISE Awards were honored at a spectacular gala dinner held at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton, a night that embodied the spirit of global hospitality and cultural exchange. Guests were treated to a curated culinary journey led by chef Nawal Alkhalawi, celebrating the diverse regional cuisines of Saudi Arabia while incorporating global influences. The evening featured a stunning live performance by international vocal sensation Loren Allred, who captivated the audience in a gown designed by Saudi fashion designer Mashael Al Faris and adorned with exquisite jewelry from Saudi brand APOA.

The night was a fitting tribute to the vision of TOURISE, showcasing the global spirit of tourism, culture, and innovation that defines the future of travel.

The Jury Panel: Experts from Across Industries

The TOURISE Awards were judged by an independent panel of global icons from various industries, including travel, fashion, food, and entertainment. The jury included former leaders of prestigious organizations such as Forbes Travel Guide, Michelin Guides, Tate Modern, and the British Fashion Council. These distinguished experts brought their extensive knowledge and experience to assess the nominees and select the winners, ensuring the awards recognized the most exceptional destinations globally.

TOURISE: Shaping the Future of Tourism

The TOURISE Awards are part of the TOURISE Summit, an event designed to reshape the future of global tourism. The Summit, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will bring together government officials, business leaders, and visionaries to drive transformative deals and initiatives in the tourism sector. The TOURISE platform continues to be a year-round resource for those shaping the next era of tourism, highlighting destinations that inspire curiosity, forge connections, and create lasting memories for travelers worldwide.

Conclusion: Setting a New Standard in Global Tourism

The inaugural TOURISE Awards have set a new benchmark for global tourism, recognizing destinations that are at the forefront of innovation, culture, and hospitality. With Tokyo’s impressive victories and the recognition of other exceptional destinations like New York, Ancash, Paris, and more, the awards have spotlighted the transformative power of travel experiences. As TOURISE continues to uncover and celebrate the destinations that will define the next 50 years of tourism, travelers can look forward to a future filled with unforgettable journeys and meaningful connections.

About TOURISE

TOURISE is a premier global platform focused on shaping the future of tourism. Under the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and powered by the Saudi Tourism Authority, TOURISE brings together visionaries from various sectors, including government, business, investment, and technology, to drive transformative initiatives in the tourism industry. Through events like the TOURISE Summit, the platform fosters collaboration, innovation, and high-impact deals, ensuring worldwide participation. TOURISE aims to redefine global tourism by highlighting destinations that deliver authentic, meaningful experiences while promoting sustainability, cultural preservation, and community impact, ultimately shaping the future of travel for the next 50 years.

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