• Saudi’s Tourism Development Fund launches three new programs to support early-stage tourism startups and entrepreneurs.
• Programs include an incubator, regional hackathons, and an accelerator, offering mentorship, training, and support services to boost innovation.
  Initiatives are part of TDF Grow, the Fund’s non-financial arm, aiming to foster a sustainable, investor-connected tourism ecosystem in Saudi.

TDF

Saudi’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched three new programs designed to support tourism startups and entrepreneurs. 

These programs include: 

• Grow Tourism Incubator
• Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps
• Grow Tourism Accelerator

All three of these programs will be delivered through the TDF Grow which is the fund’s dedicated non-financial enablement arm.

The launch of the programs aims to support TDF’s mission of being close to entrepreneurs and investors in the tourism sector. This is through integrated programs that foster a vibrant and sustainable tourism ecosystem.

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.”

Programs

The Grow Tourism Incubator Program is launching its first edition aiming to target early stage tourism startups. It will offer a ten month immersive experience providing participants with access to shared workspaces, legal, marketing and logistical support. Additionally, it will also provide technical and administrative services. It will also include workshops, specialized training sessions, and mentoring by industry experts, delivered both virtually and in person.

The Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps Program will focus on three regions: Asir, Al-Ahsa, and Al -Madinah Al Munawwarah. Over five months, participants will take part in hackathons followed by training bootcamps. This is to enable them to transform their ideas into actionable prototypes. Additionally, it will offer an interactive environment that combines mentorship, training, and technical support. While also providing direct opportunities to connect with investors and ecosystem partners. This is to foster innovative projects that advance tourism development at the regional level. 

Meanwhile, the Grow Tourism Accelerator Program will launch a new edition, building on its previous graduated cohorts. It will be an intensive three-month program focusing on supporting startups and enabling them to scale within the tourism sector.