Tourism Development Fund Drives New Innovation in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector, Get the Details Here

Published on December 18, 2025

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the national key enabling factor for tourism in Saudi Arabia, has just finished the final event of the Grow Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps. The event, hosted by TDF Grow, the non-financial arm of the Tourism Development Fund that focuses solely on the enabling of tourism startups, aims to commemorate the most innovative and successful tourism-related projects developed by various participants. The recent event, which was attended by the strategic sponsor of the program, the Al Ahsa Development Authority, has received almost 300 participants coming from various regions such as Aseer, Al Ahsa, and Al Madinah.

The initiative, named Grow Tourism, has evolved to become one of the leading forces driving the change in the tourism sector in the country, developing future entrepreneurs and innovators who work to solve real-world problems. The initiative has played an essential role in encouraging young Saudis to pursue entrepreneurship and develop ideas for the tourism sector, using the National Tourism Strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030.

A Platform for Innovation: Bringing Tourism Ideas to Life

The Grow Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps, which operate under TDF Grow, are designed to stimulate creativity and problem-solving within Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector. The event attracted a wide range of participants, who collectively developed 64 innovative tourism projects. These ideas spanned various aspects of the tourism industry, including accommodation, tourism activities, and supporting services such as transportation and hospitality.

Through multiple stages of mentorship and development, these projects were refined and polished, ensuring that only the most promising and scalable ideas advanced. Of the 64 initial projects, 38 progressed to the bootcamp phase, where they received additional guidance and resources to help them mature into viable business models. The final pitch session saw 10 of these projects present their ideas to a panel of judges, including investors, entrepreneurs, and government representatives, showcasing the depth of talent within the Saudi tourism sector.

Awarding the Most Promising Projects

At the conclusion of the ceremony, five standout projects were selected to receive financial prizes and were granted opportunities to connect with partners under TDF’s Tourism Empowerment Programs. These prizes are not just a financial boost but a crucial step toward these projects accessing the resources needed to scale their businesses and make a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape. By nurturing these projects, TDF Grow aims to create sustainable, innovative, and high-quality tourism services that contribute to the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s tourism offerings.

For the winners, the recognition and support from TDF represent a critical opportunity to grow and develop their businesses. With the backing of TDF’s robust ecosystem, they are well-positioned to take their ideas to market and attract further investment. These opportunities are designed to help bridge the gap between local innovators and the broader tourism industry, ensuring that projects can thrive in the competitive global market.

TDF’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Tourism in Saudi Arabia

The Grow Tourism initiative highlights TDF’s commitment to advancing sustainable tourism practices in Saudi Arabia. The projects developed through the hackathons and bootcamps aim to address the unique challenges of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, offering innovative solutions that improve service quality and enhance visitor experiences across the kingdom’s diverse destinations.

Sustainable tourism is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism strategy, particularly as the country works to expand its appeal to both international and domestic visitors. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs that focus on sustainability, TDF is helping to foster a tourism ecosystem that prioritizes environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and economic inclusivity. This commitment aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to position the kingdom as a leading global destination while promoting sustainable growth.

Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund, emphasized the importance of investing in Saudi youth and empowering them to transform local challenges into high-impact tourism ventures. Al-Fakhri highlighted that these initiatives are not only contributing to the country’s tourism sector but are also creating lasting economic and developmental value, benefitting communities across Saudi Arabia.

Building an Integrated Ecosystem to Foster Growth

TDF’s strategy involves creating a robust, integrated ecosystem that supports the growth of promising tourism projects. The Fund does this by providing specialized programs such as hackathons, bootcamps, accelerators, and incubators, all of which are complemented by mentorship, advisory services, and strategic partnerships with both public and private sector organizations. This approach ensures that tourism startups receive the support they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the sector’s growth.

The TDF Grow initiative has already demonstrated its effectiveness by supporting over 10,000 entrepreneurs, helping to launch more than 240 startups that are currently operating in the market. These startups, through their innovative solutions, are making a significant impact on the quality of services available in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Additionally, TDF Grow has played a crucial role in attracting nearly SAR 70 million in investments, further strengthening the kingdom’s tourism innovation ecosystem.

The Impact of Tourism Startups on Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector

Startups supported by TDF Grow are having a tangible impact on the tourism experience for visitors to Saudi Arabia. The projects emerging from these hackathons and bootcamps offer fresh perspectives and creative approaches to the industry, enhancing everything from luxury accommodations and tourist attractions to local experiences and services. These innovations help improve the overall competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, ensuring that the kingdom remains an attractive destination for global travelers.

With the support of TDF, Saudi entrepreneurs are not just creating businesses; they are shaping the future of the kingdom’s tourism industry. By focusing on improving visitor experiences, these startups are contributing to the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure, which is critical for accommodating the expected influx of visitors as the country continues to grow as a tourism hub.

TDF’s Vision for the Future of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism

Looking ahead, TDF Grow will continue to build on its successes and deepen its commitment to fostering innovation in the tourism sector. In the coming years, the initiative will focus on expanding its reach to more regions of Saudi Arabia, ensuring that the benefits of tourism development are distributed across the country. By supporting startups in regions like Aseer, Al Ahsa, and Al Madinah, TDF aims to diversify the types of experiences available to tourists, creating a more vibrant and dynamic tourism ecosystem.

As part of the 2026 strategic plan, TDF will also place greater emphasis on attracting new business from key international markets, including the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The goal is to ensure that Saudi Arabia becomes a premier global destination for tourism innovation, where entrepreneurs, investors, and tourists alike can experience the best that the kingdom has to offer.

Innovation Driving the Future of Saudi Tourism

The Tourism Development Fund’s commemoration of winners in The Grow Tourism Hackathons & Bootcamps indicates a major milestone in realizing a position of global leadership in tourism innovation in Saudi Arabia. The role of TDF in enabling local entrepreneurs and working with start-ups contributes towards influencing the future of the tourism sector in the country, and this ensures that Saudi Arabia remains a source of high-quality and diversified tourist experiences. TDF, with emphasis on innovation and partnerships, works towards developing the tourist sector in Saudi Arabia in line with goals set in Saudization Vision 2030, making it one of the most preferred destinations in the world for travelers.