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The TOURISE Awards Spotlight on Outstanding Travel Destinations
The recently unveiled TOURISE Awards shortlist casts a fresh light on destinations that are not only captivating travelers but reshaping what modern travel means. From cultural hubs bursting with art to adventurous escapes and culinary hotspots, these destinations set a new benchmark for travel experiences.
Carefully vetted by a jury of international tourism experts, the nominees were selected from over a thousand entries worldwide. The picture they paint reveals where today’s traveler might want to head next, offering inspiring experiences that blend cultural richness, innovation, and sustainability.
Categories and Criteria: What Makes a Destination Stand Out?
The awards recognize excellence across five distinct categories:
- Best Arts and Culture Destination
- Best Adventure Destination
- Best Food and Culinary Destination
- Best Shopping Destination
- Best Entertainment Destination
Each destination in the shortlist was chosen based on its clear geographic identity, cultural integrity, and responsible tourism management overseen by a tourism authority.
The judging panel considered a range of factors including accessibility, visitor hospitality, safety, accommodation variety, sustainability measures, and the overall memorability of the visitor experience.
Showcasing the Nominees: Top Destinations in Each Category
Here’s an overview of the destinations shortlisted in each award category, showcasing global diversity and excellence:
| Best Arts & Culture | Best Adventure | Best Food & Culinary | Best Shopping | Best Entertainment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Rome, Kyoto, Paris | Banff, Bali, Kilimanjaro, Yosemite, Galapagos Islands | Barcelona, Bangkok, Cape Town, Paris, Tokyo | Bangkok, Barcelona, Dubai, Milan, New York | Bangkok, Berlin, Ibiza, Las Vegas, New York |
| Florence, Cairo, London, Marrakesh, Mexico City | Atacama Desert, Svalbard, Torres del Paine, Annapurna | Dubai, Istanbul, Kerala, Seoul, Rome | Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Seoul | London, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Rio de Janeiro |
The Jury Behind the Judgement
The selection was overseen by a juried panel that brought expertise from the worlds of travel, fashion, culinary arts, culture, and entertainment. Some notable members include former CEOs and directors of renowned institutions such as Forbes Travel Guide, Michelin Guides, and Tate Modern, alongside industry leaders and explorers.
The Award Ceremony and Summit
The winners of these inaugural awards will be announced at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh from November 11-13, 2025. The summit promises to be a melting pot of tourism visionaries, investors, and industry innovators gathering to discuss trends and set new directions for global travel.
How Destination Excellence Influences Your Travel Choices
For travelers booking taxis or transfers, knowing which destinations excel in hospitality and innovation can easily shape their plans. Platforms like LocalsRide.com complement such insights by offering the ability to select transfers or private cars that match the style and standards of your selected destination – complete with vehicle details, driver ratings, and transparent pricing.
Being aware of a destination’s focus on sustainable and high-quality experiences can also guide travelers to expect attentive services and comfortable rides from airport transfers to local tours, ensuring seamless mobility throughout the trip.
The Takeaway: Experience Beyond Reviews
While award shortlists and expert reviews spotlight the best of the best, nothing compares to experiencing a destination firsthand. Whether it’s the adventure trails of the Julian Alps or the culinary treasures in Kyoto, the personal journey defines the story.
On LocalsRide, travelers can hire a car with a knowledgeable driver from verified providers at fair prices, blending convenience, affordability, and a wide range of vehicle choices with unparalleled transparency. This empowers travelers to avoid surprises and enjoy their trip from start to finish. Book your Ride at LocalsRide.com to enhance travel plans with confidence and ease.
The Future of Travel Experiences
The TOURISE Awards shortlist reflects a travel landscape driven by cultural authenticity, adventure, and sustainable development. Although it may not dramatically change the global tourism map overnight, it signals a clear trend in travel preferences that every traveler and service provider, including taxi and transfer companies, should keep in mind.
As travel evolves, platforms like LocalsRide strive to stay current with such developments, offering seamless booking experiences that cater to the discerning traveler.
Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.
Summary
The TOURISE Awards bring into focus the world’s most inspiring travel destinations, emphasizing culture, adventure, cuisine, shopping, and entertainment. Carefully selected by a panel of top industry experts, these places set the bar high for meaningful and memorable travel experiences.
Travelers can combine these insights with practical tools such as LocalsRide.com to book private taxis and transfers with exact vehicle information, upfront pricing, and rated drivers—ideal for smooth airport pickups and comfortable city rides. Whether heading to a bustling city or a serene escape, the right ride helps complete the picture of a great trip.