The TOURISE Awards 2027 have officially opened their second round of global nominations, inviting destinations worldwide to compete for recognition across six major areas of tourism. The awards aim to spotlight destinations delivering innovative, sustainable and memorable experiences for visitors while creating positive impacts for local communities. Nominations opened on September 1, 2026, and will remain open until November 19, 2026. Travellers, tourism professionals, destination authorities, organisations and other industry stakeholders can nominate destinations they believe are shaping the future of international tourism.
Six Categories to Recognise Destination Excellence
The 2027 edition features six award categories:
- Best Arts & Culture Destination
- Best Adventure Destination
- Best Food & Culinary Destination
- Best Shopping Destination
- Best Entertainment Destination
- Best Wellness Destination – new category for 2027
The introduction of the wellness category reflects the growing demand for restorative and wellbeing-focused travel. Destinations offering spa experiences, traditional healing, holistic practices and other wellness activities will now have an opportunity to compete alongside destinations known for culture, adventure, cuisine, shopping and entertainment. The awards recognise the changing way travellers select destinations, with food, wellness, cultural experiences, nature and entertainment increasingly becoming major reasons for travel.
Focus on Sustainability and Visitor Experience
TOURISE Awards 2027 will assess destinations on a broad range of standards rather than popularity alone. Eligible entries must represent a clearly defined geographical destination, demonstrate a distinctive identity, offer a strong visitor experience and have support from an appropriate tourism or governing authority.
Judges will assess entries against 14 criteria, including authenticity, accessibility, safety, sustainability and overall visitor experience. Destinations may also enter multiple categories if they demonstrate strengths in several areas. The inaugural TOURISE Awards in 2025 received more than 1,000 eligible nominations from across the world, with winners representing four continents. The programme is chaired by His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism and Chairman of TOURISE.
Winners to Be Announced in Riyadh
Following the nomination period, the 2027 shortlist will be announced on January 7, while the finalists will be revealed on February 28. The winners will be announced at the TOURISE Awards Ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 23, 2027, alongside the TOURISE Summit. One winner and two distinguished finalists will be selected in each category, before the programme culminates with the announcement of the Best Overall Destination.
The awards are part of TOURISE’s wider international platform focused on tourism innovation, investment, technology and the future of the global visitor economy. With nominations now open, destinations have an opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage, landscapes, cuisine, wellness offerings, shopping experiences and entertainment attractions to an international tourism audience.
Nomination deadline: November 19, 2026
Awards Ceremony: March 23, 2027 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
