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TOURISE, the bold new global tourism platform, has announced the formation of its cross-sector Advisory Board, a 14-member body of renowned industry leaders tasked with shaping the platform’s strategic direction and guiding the agenda of its inaugural global summit, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from 11–13 November 2025.
Positioned as a new global force in tourism, TOURISE aims to foster cross-sector convergence, creating a space where thought leaders, innovators, and visionaries can collaborate to define the future of the sector. The platform’s Advisory Board brings together influential figures from across tourism, technology, aviation, entertainment, education, sustainability, and media, making it one of the most deliberately cross-sector boards in the tourism space today.
Chaired by His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, the Advisory Board has been created to support TOURISE’s long-term vision and elevate tourism’s position as a driver of innovation, investment, and sustainability on the global stage.
“TOURISE is driving cross-sector global collaboration, and the formation of the Advisory Board ensures we are uniting diverse perspectives from representatives across the global tourism ecosystem,” said His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb. “Their visionary thinking and deep expertise will be essential in transforming TOURISE from ambition into action, ensuring the platform becomes a catalyst of innovation, investment, and sustainability in tourism for decades to come.”
The newly appointed Advisory Board includes:
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Julia Simpson, president and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council
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Randy Durband, CEO, Global Sustainable Tourism Council
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Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus
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Blake Chandlee, former President of Global Business Solutions, TikTok
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Neil Jacobs, founder of Wild Origins and former CEO, Six Senses
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Stephane Lefebvre, president, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
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Jordi Carnes, president, Leitat Technological Center and CTECNO; former director general, Turisme de Barcelona
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Mario Enzesberger, founder and CEO, Liberty International Tourism Group
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Patrick Andersen, CEO, Carlson Wagonlit Travel
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Mo Gawdat, founder, One Billion Happy
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Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport
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Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority and Vice Chair, TOURISE
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Fabien Fresnel, CEO, Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality
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Jean-Philippe Cossé, International Events Specialist
Commenting on her appointment, Julia Simpson, president & CEO of WTTC, said: “TOURISE is more than a summit; it’s a catalyst for global transformation in tourism. I joined the Advisory Board because I believe in the power of cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and set new standards for responsible travel.”
In the lead-up to the November summit, the Advisory Board will meet regularly to provide strategic input on TOURISE’s programming. Their involvement ensures that the platform reflects diverse global perspectives and tackles the sector’s most pressing challenges. More than a one-time event, TOURISE is being positioned as a lasting global movement to reshape the tourism landscape.
