Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday introduced the formation of a cross-sector advisory board for TOURISE, a brand new world tourism platform aiming to reshape the {industry} by means of collaboration throughout expertise, sustainability, aviation, leisure, and training.
The 14-member board, chaired by Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, consists of senior figures from organisations such because the World Journey & Tourism Council (WTTC), Amadeus, TikTok, Cirque du Soleil, and the Saudi Tourism Authority. The board will information TOURISE’s strategic path and form the agenda for its inaugural summit in Riyadh, set to happen from November 11-13, 2025.
The transfer underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to place itself on the centre of worldwide tourism coverage and innovation, whereas selling cross-industry collaboration on points reminiscent of sustainability, fairness, and sectoral range.
“TOURISE is driving cross-sector world collaboration, and the formation of the Advisory Board ensures we’re uniting various views from throughout the worldwide tourism ecosystem,” Al-Khateeb stated in an announcement.
The advisory board may even assist the event of the year-round TOURISE platform, supposed to facilitate long-term partnerships, funding, and coverage dialogue past the annual summit.
Among the many confirmed members are:
- Julia Simpson, CEO, WTTC
- Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus
- Blake Chandlee, former World Enterprise President, TikTok
- Stephane Lefebvre, President, Cirque du Soleil
- Patrick Andersen, CEO, Carlson Wagonlit Journey
- Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority (Vice Chair)
- Mo Gawdat, Founder, One Billion Joyful
- Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport
Julia Simpson stated she joined the board as a result of she believes TOURISE may act as a “catalyst for world transformation in tourism,” emphasising the significance of innovation and sustainable progress.
Backed by the Public Funding Fund by means of its affiliation with the Ministry of Tourism, the TOURISE platform goals to be each “bodily unique and digitally inclusive,” offering entry to decision-makers whereas participating a world viewers on-line.