Latest news with #TourismDevelopmentFund
Leaders
11-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
TDF Launches 3 New Programs to Boost Tourism Entrepreneurs, Startups
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF), Saudi Arabia's national enabler of the tourism sector, has launched three new programs designed to empower entrepreneurs and startups. The initiatives—Grow Tourism Incubator, Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps, and the Grow Tourism Accelerator—are delivered through TDF Grow, the Fund's non-financial support arm. TDF These programs reflect TDF's strategic commitment to fostering a vibrant, sustainable tourism ecosystem by staying closely aligned with entrepreneurs and investors across the Kingdom. 'We continue to support entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into tangible, high-impact projects,' said Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, TDF CEO. 'Our goal is to provide an end-to-end support system to help businesses overcome challenges and accelerate their growth. These programs are grounded in hands-on enablement, mentorship, and strong connections with key stakeholders, all aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.' Grow Tourism Incubator Launching for the first time, the Grow Tourism Incubator targets early-stage startups. The 10-month program offers shared workspaces, legal, marketing, logistical, technical, and administrative support. Participants benefit from expert-led workshops, training sessions, and mentorship—delivered both virtually and on-site at TDF headquarters. Registration opened on June 24 and runs until July 17. Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps This five-month program supports individuals with early-stage tourism ideas. Focusing on Asir, Al-Ahsa, and Madinah, it begins with regional hackathons and concludes with intensive bootcamps. Participants will develop ideas into prototypes in an interactive environment offering training, technical support, and direct access to investors and enablers. Registration opened on July 1 and closes on July 22. Grow Tourism Accelerator Returning after the success of previous rounds—which graduated 99 participants—the three-month Accelerator supports startups aiming to scale in the tourism sector. The program offers intensive mentorship and facilitates connections with investors. It also welcomes international companies, contributing to service quality and investment diversity in the Kingdom's tourism industry. So far, TDF Grow has supported over 8,800 beneficiaries through various non-financial initiatives, helping entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs bring their projects to life. These efforts continue to boost the sector's competitiveness while expanding its long-term economic and social impact throughout Saudi Arabia. Related Topics : Saudi TDF Partners with Karisma Hotels to Enhance Tourism Investment Opportunities Al-Ula hosts the World Tourism Organization's ceremony for the best tourist villages Royal Commission for Al-Ula launches the tourism and entertainment licenses portal Top 10 tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia for Girls Short link : Post Views: 7
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Tourism Development Fund rolls out programs to boost startup growth
RIYADH: Tourism startups and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia stand to benefit from three newly launched support initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation, attracting investment, and strengthening the Kingdom's growing travel economy. The Tourism Development Fund has introduced the Grow Tourism Incubator, Tourism Hackathons and Bootcamps, and the Grow Tourism Accelerator — a suite of initiatives designed to empower early-stage ventures through TDF Grow, its non-financial enablement arm, according to a press release. Developing a robust tourism landscape is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda, as the Kingdom works to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. The National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030, after surpassing the 100 million milestone ahead of schedule, with official data showing the Kingdom welcomed 116 million tourists in 2024 — exceeding its annual target for the second year in a row. Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF, said: 'We remain committed to empowering entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into promising, impactful projects. We strive to provide a comprehensive support ecosystem that addresses the needs of businesses at every stage, helping them overcome challenges and accelerate their growth.' He added: 'These three programs embody our dedication to practical enablement, offering guidance, support, and connections with key stakeholders, to build a sustainable tourism sector full of opportunity and aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.' The Grow Tourism Incubator Program, now in its first edition, will target early-stage tourism startups. Registration opened on June 24 and will remain open until July 17. The incubator offers a 10-month immersive environment, providing participants with access to shared workspaces, as well as legal, marketing, and logistical support, along with technical and administrative services. The program will also include workshops, specialized training sessions, and mentorship by leading industry experts, delivered both virtually and in person at TDF headquarters — ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs across the Kingdom. The Tourism Hackathons and Bootcamps program aims to support innovators and early-stage tourism projects, with a focus on three key regions: Asir, Al-Ahsa, and Madinah. Running for five months, the program will allow participants to take part in hackathons followed by training bootcamps, helping them develop their ideas into actionable prototypes. Registrations opened on July 1 and will remain open until July 22. The Grow Tourism Accelerator builds on the success of previous cohorts, which have graduated 99 participants to date. This three-month program is designed to support startups and help them scale within the tourism sector. 'The accelerator also attracts international companies, enriching the diversity of the investment landscape and elevating service quality across the industry. The program provides integrated mentorship, culminating in graduation and connections with potential investors,' the TDF release stated. It added that the TDF Grow platform has supported 8,800 beneficiaries through its non-financial programs and initiatives, helping entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises accelerate their projects and enhance the competitiveness of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
TDF launches 3 programs to empower tourism entrepreneurs and startups
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) - the national enabler of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector- has announced the launch of 3 flagship programs designed to support and empower entrepreneurs and startups. The initiatives - the Grow Tourism Incubator, Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps, and Grow Tourism Accelerator - are delivered through TDF Grow, the Fund's dedicated non-financial enablement arm. This launch reflects TDF's ongoing commitment to its strategy of being close to entrepreneurs and investors in the tourism sector by offering integrated programs that foster a vibrant and sustainable tourism ecosystem. Commenting on the announcement, TDF's CEO, Mr. Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, said: "At TDF, we remain committed to empowering entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into promising, impactful projects. We strive to provide a comprehensive support ecosystem that addresses the needs of businesses at every stage, helping them overcome challenges and accelerate their growth. These 3 programs embody our dedication to practical enablement, offering guidance, support, and connections with key stakeholders, to build a sustainable tourism sector full of opportunity and aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030." The Grow Tourism Incubator Program, now launching its first edition, targets early-stage tourism startups. Registration opened on June 24, 2025, and continues until July 17, 2025. The incubator offers a ten-month immersive environment, providing participants with access to shared workspaces, legal, marketing, and logistical support, as well as technical and administrative services. The program also includes workshops, specialized training sessions, and mentoring by leading industry experts, delivered both virtually and in person at TDF headquarter, ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs across Saudi Arabia. To support innovators and early-stage tourism projects, the Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps Program focuses on three key regions: Asir, Al-Ahsa, and Al -Madinah Al Munawwarah. Over five months, participants take part in hackathons followed by training bootcamps, enabling them to develop their ideas into actionable prototypes. The program offers an interactive environment that combines mentorship, training, and technical support, while also providing direct opportunities to connect with investors and ecosystem partners, fostering innovative projects that advance tourism development at the regional level. Registration opened on July 1, 2025, and remains open until July 22, 2025. Meanwhile, the Grow Tourism Accelerator Program returns in a new edition, building on the success of previous cohorts that have graduated 99 participants to date. This intensive three-month program focuses on supporting startups and enabling them to scale within the tourism sector. The accelerator also attracts international companies, enriching the diversity of the investment landscape and elevating service quality across the industry. The program provides integrated mentorship, culminating in graduation and connections with potential investors. Notably, TDF Grow has already empowered more than 8,800 beneficiaries through its non-financial programs and initiatives, helping entrepreneurs and SMEs accelerate their projects and connect with promising opportunities, strengthening the sector's competitiveness, and expanding its sustainable economic and social impact throughout Saudi Arabia. For more information and to register for TDF Grow programs, please visit: -Ends- About the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is Saudi Arabia's national enabler of the tourism sector, going beyond financing to drive high-impact investments and enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi's tourism destinations. TDF enables entrepreneurs and tourism businesses with tailored financial solutions and non-financial support programs while attracting local and international investors to develop landmark tourism projects. With a vision to create a dynamic and attractive investment environment, TDF fosters strategic partnerships, supports economic diversification, enriches visitor experiences, and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global tourism destination. Committed to advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, TDF remains a trusted partner, working closely with investors and key stakeholders across the sector. For media inquiries, please contact TDF Corporate Communication team: cc@
Jordan News
23-06-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Jordan 2030: A Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Vision to Overcome Crises and Challenges - Jordan News
Jordan's vital tourism sector is facing growing challenges that require a new and innovative approach to ensure its sustainability and growth. In response, the 'Jordan Tourism Development Vision 2030' aims to transform the sector from merely attracting tourists into a comprehensive and sustainable model, positioning every Jordanian citizen as a key partner. اضافة اعلان --- Tourism: An Economic and Diplomatic Engine The vision emphasizes that tourism goes beyond visits—it is a cumulative economy encompassing an integrated value chain, from inputs to the final tourism product. This means tourism is not an isolated industry but one that is interconnected with and influenced by many other sectors. The vision also highlights the pivotal role of tourism as a form of public diplomacy. Through direct interaction between visitors and local communities, tourism presents a civilized and cultural image of Jordan and enhances its presence on the global stage. More importantly, tourism serves as Jordan's window to influence public opinion locally, regionally, and internationally, positioning the country not only as a leisure destination but also as a hub for investment, industry, and trade. Crucially, the vision underlines the importance of engaging both local and national communities. Every Jordanian is seen as an ambassador of the tourism sector, requiring increased awareness of tourism's significance and the role each individual plays in its success. --- Tackling Challenges Through Innovative Solutions The tourism sector in Jordan is facing a crisis that demands fundamental solutions. Key proposed initiatives include: 1. Financial Support and Funding: Tourism Development Fund: Establishing a fund to financially support tourism projects and infrastructure, modeled after the existing Industry Fund. Revenue from Digital Assets: Introducing digital assets like a "Petra Coin" to generate unconventional revenue streams—both from tourists and in their absence. Debt-for-Tourism Investment: Transforming international debts, grants, and aid into real investments in sustainable tourism projects, creating win-win scenarios for all parties. 2. Restructuring and Diversifying Tourism Products: Comprehensive Review of Tourism Systems: Overhauling all regulations and systems governing the sector to ensure flexibility and global alignment. Diversifying Tourism Offerings: Moving beyond traditional models to focus on quality and innovative tourism inputs, including: Encouraging Domestic Tourism: Offering preferential pricing for Jordanians to maintain sector sustainability. Affordable and Eco-Friendly Tourism Options: Providing budget-friendly alternatives alongside luxury experiences. Supporting Small and Individual Projects: Creating supportive environments and incubators for youth and local communities. Authentic Tourism Experiences: Embedding Jordanian culture and heritage into the tourist experience. Inclusive Religious Tourism: Developing compelling stories and narratives for each religious site. Monthly Theming of Tourist Sites: Tying the founding dates of sites to special events to boost interest and visibility. 3. Digital Marketing, Promotion, and Content Creation: Targeted Campaigns: Marketing directly to individuals and families using tailored strategies based on their interests. Comprehensive Tourism Platform: Building a rich, diverse content platform to showcase Jordan's offerings. Maximizing Digital Marketing Tools: Utilizing professional websites, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO). Artificial Intelligence (AI): Employing AI in marketing, media, and public relations to personalize experiences and enhance campaign targeting. Film and Multimedia Production: Investing in documentaries, dramas, and visual content to deliver a powerful and clear Jordanian message. 4. Enhancing Resilience, Crisis Management, and Infrastructure: Established Crisis and War Protocol: Developing a clear action plan for exceptional circumstances, including wars and crises. Boosting Domestic Air Transport: Reducing reliance on foreign airlines by strengthening local carriers. The Role of Petra Airport: Expanding and leveraging the airport's potential to position Jordan as a regional tourism hub. 5. Leveraging Environmental Opportunities and International Relations: Environmental Support and Zero Carbon Footprint: Benefiting from grants and donations linked to sustainable environmental practices. International Relations: Utilizing diplomatic ties to increase demand for Jordanian tourism. --- Integrating Local Communities The vision underscores the importance of integrating local communities into the tourism process. Such inclusion enriches the visitor experience through direct cultural engagement, creates job opportunities, and generates income for residents in tourist areas—thereby contributing to holistic development. --- A Roadmap for the Future of Tourism The 'Jordan Tourism Development Vision 2030' serves as a comprehensive roadmap to transform the tourism sector into one that is resilient, sustainable, and innovative. By embracing tourism as both a cumulative economy and a form of public diplomacy, empowering local communities, restructuring the entire tourism ecosystem, leveraging modern technologies, and establishing proactive crisis management plans, Jordan can strengthen its position as a leading global tourism destination—balancing profitability with the preservation of its cultural and heritage authenticity.
Argaam
27-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Aseer Governor says investments top SAR 5B since strategy launch
Aseer Governor Prince Turki bin Talal Al Saud said that investments exceeded SAR 5 billion since the approval of the Aseer strategy. Speaking at the opening of the Aseer Investment Forum, the governor said that additional investments worth SAR 4 billion will soon be announced during the event. The total value of key government projects and committed investments under the region's strategy exceeds SAR 25 billion, he said. These projects and investments are being implemented by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Tourism Development Fund (TDF), Social Development Bank (SDB), and other financial institutions.
