Saudi-powered ‘TOURISE’ announces advisory board

TOURISE will deliver high-impact initiatives and transformative deals that will reset the industry and build a tourism sector that is sustainable, equitable, and future-focused.
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Updated 07 August 2025
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Saudi-powered ‘TOURISE’ announces advisory board

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. 


Wallan Holding highlights its diverse offerings in aviation and automotive sectors

Updated 04 December 2025
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Wallan Holding highlights its diverse offerings in aviation and automotive sectors

Wallan Holding participated in the General Aviation Airshow – Sand & Fun 2025, organized by the Saudi Aviation Club at Al-Thummama Airport in Riyadh. 

The company showcased its diverse investment portfolio and innovative vision in the transportation sector, attracting experts, government and private entities, international companies, and aviation enthusiasts.

This exhibition marks the first general aviation event in Saudi Arabia, combining innovation, culture, and adventure in an exceptional showcase. 

It aims to promote technological advancements and highlight the future of aviation through spectacular aerial displays, interactive platforms, and extensive participation from government entities, the private sector, and industry leaders, both locally and internationally.

Fahad bin Saad Wallan, chairman of Wallan Holding, said: “Our participation in the Sand & Fun Airshow reflects our commitment to strengthening Al-Wallan Holding’s position in the general aviation sector and connecting our mobility expertise with advanced aviation services aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

"Our presence at this event is not merely about displaying aircraft and vehicles, but rather a reaffirmation of our vision to build an integrated future that combines innovation, reliability, and sustainable development. It provided an opportunity to engage with potential global partners in aviation, logistics, and industry, and to establish fruitful collaborations.” 

At its distinguished booth, Wallan Holding presented a comprehensive showcase reflecting the diversity of its investment portfolio, which includes business jets from the Falcon and Cessna aircraft, specialized and multi-purpose private helicopters, in addition to a range of vehicles from Hyundai, Geely, Renault, Genesis, Lotus, and Zeekr.

The event featured various live and interactive activities, including professional aerial shows, as well as specialized night displays that light up the skies. 

Al-Wallan Holding’s booth attracted significant interest from visitors, VIPs, and officials from government and private sectors who learned about the company’s services in private aviation, as well as advanced mobility solutions offered through its subsidiaries and prominent global partnerships.

This participation comes as part of Wallan Holding’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the general aviation sector, which is witnessing substantial growth in the Kingdom in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. 

It also marks an important step toward integrating its operations across ground and air mobility, leveraging accumulated expertise to build comprehensive solutions that serve the needs of individuals and businesses.

Wallan Holding plans to continue exploring investment opportunities in general aviation, logistics services, and smart mobility, and to enhance its partnerships with leading global companies, reinforcing its role as a pioneering Saudi group that supports economic diversification and contributes to the development of high-value sectors.