Riyadh, January 11, 2025 – The Tourism Development Fund (TDF), Saudi Arabia’s primary national enabler for the tourism sector, has successfully concluded its pivotal role as an official partner of the Saudi Tourism Forum, which was held from January 7 to 9 in Riyadh. This highly anticipated event brought together influential stakeholders from the global and local tourism industries, including investors, industry leaders, and government officials, underscoring the Kingdom's growing prominence as a key player in the global tourism market.
Reflecting on the success of the forum, TDF’s Chief Executive, Qusai Al-Fakhri, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with the Saudi Tourism Forum has opened invaluable channels for engagement with investors and partners, showcasing the vast potential of Saudi Arabia’s diverse and untapped tourism destinations. Through leveraging our comprehensive financial and non-financial solutions, we remain committed to fostering high-impact projects that enhance tourism infrastructure, empower the private sector, and contribute to the economic diversification envisioned in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
Throughout the forum, TDF demonstrated its commitment to supporting the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector by presenting several key strategic initiatives designed to attract investment into high-potential tourism hotspots across Saudi Arabia. The fund showcased its robust financing solutions and strategic partnerships, both of which are aimed at driving sustainable tourism development in line with the Kingdom's National Tourism Strategy. These efforts are integral to positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination.
A highlight of TDF's presence at the forum was a panel discussion titled “Discover Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s Emerging Destinations: Unlocking the Potential of the Kingdom’s Growing Tourism Markets.” Led by TDF spokesperson Khaled Al-Sharif, the session delved into the abundant investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s lesser-explored regions. Al-Sharif emphasized TDF’s role in facilitating investments by offering tailored, flexible financial solutions, alongside fostering robust public-private partnerships to promote long-term, sustainable tourism growth.
TDF’s partnership with the Saudi Tourism Forum further solidifies its commitment to developing world-class tourism destinations and unlocking the full potential of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. As the Kingdom seeks to diversify its economy and solidify its status as a leading global tourism hub, the TDF continues to be at the forefront of this transformation. Moving forward, the fund is focused on strengthening its collaborations with key stakeholders across both public and private sectors, aiming to attract further investments, support innovative and groundbreaking projects, and help position Saudi Arabia as a premier international destination for tourism and hospitality.
In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, TDF’s efforts are not only focused on attracting foreign investments but also on nurturing local talent and developing the infrastructure necessary to support a thriving, world-class tourism industry. By enabling the private sector to play a leading role in the country’s tourism development, the TDF is contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s broader objectives of economic diversification and sustainable growth. With continued commitment to its mission, the fund is poised to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape and drive the sector’s success in the years to come.