Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has announced the launch of three major new programmes under its TDF Grow platform, reinforcing the Kingdom’s drive to build a dynamic, innovative, and sustainable tourism sector in line with Vision 2030.
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, enabling 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”.
The initiatives — the Grow Tourism Incubator, Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps, and the Grow Tourism Accelerator — are designed to empower entrepreneurs and startups at different stages of their journey, providing practical support, mentorship, and direct connections to investors and industry partners.
“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,” said Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund.
“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.”
TDF drives innovation and entrepreneurship across Saudi Arabia
The launch comes as Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and position itself as a premier global destination. By targeting early-stage startups, innovators and growth-ready businesses, these programs are set to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and expand its economic and social impact throughout the Kingdom.
- The Grow Tourism Incubator Program, now open for its first edition, is geared toward early-stage tourism startups. Running for ten months, it offers shared workspaces, legal, marketing and logistical support, alongside workshops, specialist training, and mentorship from top industry figures. The hybrid format ensures entrepreneurs from across Saudi Arabia can participate. Registration for this edition closes on July 17, 2025.
- The Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps Program targets promising ideas and early-stage projects in key regions: Asir, Al-Ahsa, and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. Participants will engage in hackathons followed by five months of bootcamps, developing prototypes and gaining direct exposure to investors and ecosystem partners. Registration runs until July 22, 2025.
- The Grow Tourism Accelerator Program returns with a new edition after graduating 99 participants so far. This intensive three-month track supports startups looking to scale within the tourism sector. The accelerator also welcomes international companies, enriching Saudi Arabia’s investment ecosystem and pushing service quality to new levels.
Tourism as a driver of Vision 2030 and local opportunities
Beyond large-scale infrastructure projects and major global events, initiatives like these underline how Saudi Arabia is nurturing local talent and businesses to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem from the ground up. TDF Grow has already supported more than 8,800 beneficiaries through non-financial programmes, helping entrepreneurs and SMEs build capabilities, unlock new opportunities, and contribute to a more diversified, resilient economy.
This multi-layered approach is critical not just to attracting visitors but to ensuring that tourism becomes a pillar of sustainable economic growth and job creation across the Kingdom. It also positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in developing a tourism model where local businesses — from tech startups to hospitality ventures — play a central role.
For more details on these programs and to register, visit tip.tdf.gov.sa/growPrograms.
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