Saudi's Tourism Development Fund Launches Three Programs to Boost Startups
Saudi Arabia's Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has announced the launch of three distinct programs designed to support and empower entrepreneurs and startups at every stage of their journey. The initiatives, which include an incubator, a series of hackathons, and an accelerator, will be delivered through TDF Grow, the fund's non-financial enabling arm.
By the Numbers
3: New programs launched for tourism entrepreneurs.
8,800+: Beneficiaries supported by TDF Grow's initiatives to date.
99: Graduates from previous editions of the Tourism Growth Accelerator.
A Trio of Opportunities for Tourism Innovators
The three new programs offer a comprehensive pathway for founders, from early-stage ideas to scalable businesses. Applications for the incubator and hackathons are now open with specific deadlines.
1. Tourism Growth Incubator (1st Edition)
This 10-month incubator program is designed for established tourism startups. It provides an integrated environment with co-working spaces, legal, marketing, and logistical support, specialized workshops, and expert mentorship.
For: Tourism startups.
Deadline to Apply: July 17, 2025.
2. Tourism Hackathons and Bootcamps
This program targets individuals with early-stage ideas in three key regions: Asir, Al-Ahsa, and Al-Madinah. It is a five-month journey that includes hackathons and training bootcamps designed to help participants develop their ideas into viable prototypes and connect with investors.
For: Individuals and teams with early-stage ideas.
Deadline to Apply: July 22, 2025.
3. Tourism Growth Accelerator (New Edition)
Building on the success of previous cohorts, this intensive three-month accelerator program is designed to support startups that are ready to scale and expand within the tourism sector. It also aims to attract international companies to the Kingdom.
For: Startups ready for scaling and expansion.
Deadline to Apply: Application dates for this new edition are expected to be announced soon.
Leadership on Empowering a New Generation
Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund, stated that this move comes as part of the fund's commitment to its comprehensive enabling role. "We continue at the Tourism Development Fund to work on empowering entrepreneurs to launch their ideas and transform them into promising, realistic projects," he said.
About the Tourism Development Fund (TDF)
The TDF is the national enabler for Saudi Arabia's tourism sector. Through its TDF Grow center, it provides non-financial programs and initiatives targeting entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs to accelerate their projects and connect them with promising opportunities, enhancing the competitiveness and sustainable impact of the Kingdom's tourism industry.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs should visit the official channels of the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and TDF Grow for detailed information and application links for each program.
Source: Jawlah