The Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the national enabler of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, has launched 3 flagship programs to empower entrepreneurs and startups to transform their ideas into impactful projects.
The three programs – the Grow Tourism Incubator, Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps, and Grow Tourism Accelerator – will be delivered via TDF Grow, TDF’s dedicated non-financial enablement arm. This also highlights the Fund’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable tourism ecosystem in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri CEO – TDF
“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.”
Registration is currently open for the inaugural edition of ‘The Grow Tourism Incubator’ Program, which focuses on early-stage tourism startups. This ten-month program provides participants with access to shared workspaces, legal, marketing, and logistical support, as well as technical and administrative services.
In addition, it includes workshops, specialized training sessions, and mentoring by leading industry experts, delivered both virtually and in person at TDF headquarter. The program will ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs across the Kingdom.
The Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps
This program, designed to support innovators and early-stage tourism projects, will center 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 transform their ideas into actionable prototypes.
This initiative provides participants with direct opportunities to connect with investors and ecosystem partners, fostering innovative projects that advance tourism sector at the regional level. The registration is currently open.
The Grow Tourism Accelerator
Third program focuses on supporting startups to drive growth within the tourism sector. This intensive three-month program also attracts international companies, enriching the diversity of the investment landscape and elevating service quality across the industry. The initiative provides integrated mentorship, culminating in graduation and connections with potential investors.
Notably, TDF Grow has already empowered over 8,800 beneficiaries through its non-financial programs and initiatives, helping entrepreneurs and SMEs accelerate their projects and explore promising opportunities.
The Fund remains committed to reinforcing the sector’s competitiveness, and expanding its sustainable economic and social impact throughout the Kingdom.
