TOURISE, a bold new global tourism platform, has announced the members of its cross-sector advisory board, a powerhouse of industry titans guiding TOURISE’s strategic direction and shaping the agenda of the inaugural global summit taking place in Riyadh from Nov. 11-13.
The 14-member board brings together expertise from tourism, technology, aviation, entertainment, education, sustainability and media, making it one of the most intentionally cross-sector bodies in global tourism today. Together, they will champion TOURISE’s vision, ensure high-impact global issues such as equity, geographical representation and sectoral diversity are in the spotlight and influence the long-term value of the platform.
Chaired by Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the advisory board will seek to elevate tourism on the global stage and shape a bold new vision for the sector’s future.
“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,” Al-Khateeb said
“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 advisory board members are: Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority and vice chair, TOURISE; Julia Simpson, president and CEO, World Travel and Tourism Council; Randy Durband, CEO, Global Sustainable Tourism Council; Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus; Blake Chandlee, former president of Global Business Solutions, TikTok; Neil Jacobs, founder of Wild Origins and former CEO of Six Senses; Stephane Lefebvre, president, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group; Jordi Carnes, president of Leitat Technological Center and CTECNO and former director general of Turismede Barcelona; Mario Enzesberger, founder and CEO, Liberty International Tourism Group; Patrick Andersen, CEO, Carlson Wagonlit Travel; Mo Gawdat, founder, One Billion Happy; Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport; Fabien Fresnel, CEO, Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality; and Jean-Philippe Cossé, international events specialist.
“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,” said Simpson.
Leading up to the TOURISE summit the advisory board will meet regularly to advise on the program, ensuring global views and insights shape the agenda.
