TOURISE Awards have opened nominations for the second edition of its global awards, which recognise destinations setting new standards in visitor experience, tourism development, innovation and sustainability.
Individual travellers, tourism professionals, destinations and organisations can submit nominations until 19 November 2026. Participation is free. In addition, people can nominate the same destination in more than one category.
The 2027 awards cover six categories:
- Best Arts & Culture Destination
- Best Adventure Destination
- Best Food & Culinary Destination
- Best Shopping Destination
- Best Entertainment Destination
- Best Wellness Destination, a new category for 2027
The new wellness award reflects the continued growth of restorative and health-focused travel. In particular, it will recognise destinations offering notable spa retreats, traditional healing practices and holistic wellness experiences.
Moreover, the jury will select a separate Best Overall Destination. This flagship award will recognise a destination that delivers an exceptional and well-rounded visitor experience across several areas.
Which destinations qualify?
Eligible destinations may include a town, city, region or specific visitor site. To qualify, a destination must:
- Have a clearly defined geographical area
- Demonstrate a strong and distinctive identity
- Deliver a compelling visitor experience
- Receive support from a recognised governing or tourism authority
A single valid nomination puts a destination forward for consideration. However, the number of nominations will not determine the result. Instead, the jury will base its decisions on an independent assessment rather than a public vote.
Travellers can nominate places they believe deserve greater international recognition. Likewise, tourism boards, industry professionals and other organisations can put destinations forward.
Independent international judging panel
An independent, cross-sector jury of ten international experts will assess shortlisted destinations. The panel includes former senior figures from Condé Nast, Forbes Travel Guide, Michelin Guides, Kempinski Hotels, Tate Modern, the British Fashion Council and Accor.
Albert Read, former Managing Director of Condé Nast, serves as Jury Panel Chair. Furthermore, the panel includes former Forbes Travel Guide CEO Filip Boyen, former Michelin Guides Global Director Michael Ellis, former World Travel Market Chair Fiona Jeffery OBE and adventurer and UN Goodwill Ambassador Omar Samra.
The jury will evaluate destinations against 14 assessment criteria, including authenticity, accessibility, safety, sustainability and the overall visitor experience. In doing so, judges will consider the qualities that distinguish each destination within its category. They will also assess the universal standards that every leading tourism destination should meet.
The organisers have structured the judging process around three principles: inclusion, independence and integrity. Therefore, popularity and nomination numbers will not influence the jury’s decisions. Further details appear on the TOURISE Awards website.
Building on the inaugural awards
The first TOURISE Awards attracted more than 1,000 eligible nominations from regions worldwide.
In 2025, Tokyo received the Best Overall Destination title. It also won Best Food & Culinary Destination and Best Entertainment Destination. Meanwhile, New York won Best Arts & Culture Destination, Ancash in Peru won Best Adventure Destination, and Paris received Best Shopping Destination.
The addition of the wellness category expands the programme for 2027. It also reflects changing traveller priorities, including greater demand for experiences focused on physical health, mental wellbeing and personal restoration.
TOURISE Awards 2027 timeline
- 1 September 2026: Nominations opened
- 19 November 2026: Nominations close
- 7 January 2027: TOURISE announces shortlisted destinations
- 28 February 2027: TOURISE announces the finalists
- 23 March 2027: The TOURISE Awards ceremony takes place in Riyadh
Each category will produce one winner and two distinguished finalists. TOURISE will announce the winners during its awards ceremony alongside the TOURISE Summit 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the Summit will run from 23 to 25 March 2027. It will bring together representatives from tourism, government, investment, culture, technology and related industries.
How to submit a nomination
Submit nominations through the official TOURISE Awards nomination portal.
Nominations close on 19 November 2026.
