For the graduates of the first cohort of the “TDF Grow Accelerator” program, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the country’s facilitator of the tourism industry, arranged an exhibition and demo day at the KAFD Conference Center in Riyadh. A large group of influential stakeholders interested in tourism investments, along with entrepreneurs, media representatives, and investment pioneers, attended the event.
TDF CEO Qusai Al-Fakhri emphasized the value of TDF programs in fostering innovation and sustainable development in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry during the event. That was mentioned in a speech made on behalf of the CEO by His Highness Prince Saud Bin Mohammed, Executive Director of TDF Grow.
He also expressed his pride in the achievements of the participants, stating, “We are proud of what these distinguished startups have accomplished during their journey within the TDF Grow Accelerator Programme. This success reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurial ideas and promising initiatives that contribute to efficiently implementing the national tourism strategy and reinforcing the Kingdom’s standing as a global tourism destination.”
A summary of the program’s achievements over the course of several months was presented at the ceremony. A total of 15 projects—11 local and 4 regional and international—participated in the program, which involved the emerging startups in more than 20 training and advisory sessions. The Kingdom’s tourism industry has gained value as a result of this empowerment program. Additionally, these startups have been successful in bringing in over SAR 18 million in investments thus far. A presentation highlighting the tourism projects taking part in the program brought the ceremony to a close.
It’s important to remember that TDF Grow launched the Tourism Grow Accelerator Programme with the goal of empowering entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism industry. This program will help them develop creative technical solutions, connect them with investors and industry leaders, and support the top travel startups in helping to meet the country’s tourism goals.
