RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The TOURISE Awards 2027 have officially opened nominations, inviting travelers, tourism professionals and organizations around the world to nominate destinations they believe are setting new standards for the future of travel.

Now entering its second cycle, the awards recognize destinations delivering distinctive, meaningful and purpose-driven visitor experiences while responding to the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. Public nominations are open from September 1 through November 19, 2026.

The 2027 TOURISE Awards feature six categories: Best Arts and Culture Destination, Best Adventure Destination, Best Food and Culinary Destination, Best Shopping Destination, Best Entertainment Destination and Best Wellness Destination. The Wellness category is new for this edition. The awards also feature the flagship Best Overall Destination honor, recognizing a destination that excels across the full visitor experience.

A global invitation to nominate

The TOURISE Awards are open to nominations from individual travelers, industry professionals, destinations and organizations, giving the global travel community an opportunity to recognize places that are making a difference in tourism.

Eligible destinations must have a defined geographic scope, such as a city, region or site, demonstrate a strong and distinctive identity, deliver a compelling visitor experience and be supported by a tourism governing or management authority.

Best Adventure Destination

The Best Adventure Destination category celebrates destinations offering exceptional outdoor, nature-based and adventure experiences. It is part of the awards’ broader mission to recognize destinations that deliver memorable travel while demonstrating innovation, purpose and relevance to the future of tourism.

The nominated destinations will be assessed by an independent international jury bringing together leading figures from travel, tourism, culture, culinary, fashion, art, retail, adventure and entertainment.

The jury includes Albert Read, former Managing Director of Condé Nast; Filip Boyen, former CEO of Forbes Travel Guide; Michael Ellis, former Global Director of Michelin Guides; Omar Samra, UN Goodwill Ambassador, mountaineer and polar explorer; Lars Nittve, former Founding Director of Tate Modern; and Caroline Rush, former CEO of the British Fashion Council.

Destinations assessed across 14 criteria

The judging process will assess destinations across 14 criteria, including authenticity, accessibility, safety, sustainability and visitor experience.

Judges will consider both what makes each destination stand out within its nominated category and a set of universal standards expected of outstanding tourism destinations.

Following the public nomination period, destinations will move through a shortlist and finalist process. One winner and two distinguished finalists will ultimately be selected in each category by the independent jury.

Winners to be revealed in Riyadh

The winners of the TOURISE Awards 2027 will be announced at the TOURISE Awards Ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 23, 2027, held alongside the TOURISE Summit.

The awards timeline also includes the announcement of the shortlist on January 7, 2027, followed by the announcement of finalists on February 28.

The TOURISE Awards aim to provide a global platform for destinations that are reshaping tourism through innovation, cultural identity, sustainability and meaningful visitor experiences.

Nominations are now open, giving the global travel community until November 19, 2026, to put forward the destinations they believe deserve international recognition.

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