Message from our CEO
A new era for Tourism

We are proud to announce the launch of our ESG-integrated debt products, offering incentives for projects that deliver measurable environmental and social impact.
Mr. Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri
Chief Executive Officer, TDF
It is my privilege to present the Tourism Development Fund’s inaugural Sustainability Report for 2024 – a milestone that reflects our unwavering commitment to building a thriving, responsible, and future-ready tourism sector for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At TDF, our vision is clear: to serve as the financial catalyst for the development of the tourism sector, contributing to the Kingdom’s social, economic, and environmental prosperity. Guided by Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, we are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of Saudi tourism by embedding sustainability at the heart of every decision we make.
The year 2024 was marked by significant progress and measurable impact. We supported over 970 projects across 13 destinations, deploying more than SAR 3.8 billion in capital and catalysing over SAR 10.9 billion in private-sector investments. Our efforts empowered 4,200 SMEs through our Tourism Empowerment Programs, which – delivered in collaboration with banks, finance companies, and fintech firms – are unlocking access to capital for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), helping them scale and thrive.
Through our flagship TDF Grow Program, we continue to deliver targeted training, accelerators, and support systems that empower entrepreneurs, upskill tourism professionals, and transform promising ideas into thriving enterprises. Our financing has contributed to an expected 42,000+ jobs across the Kingdom. Our employees remain at the core of our growth, with over 7,700 training hours delivered and a continued focus on leadership development and youth empowerment. We are proud that 98% of our workforce are Saudi nationals and 39% are women, reflecting our commitment to national talent development and gender diversity across the Kingdom.
In 2024, our commitment to sustainable community impact was stronger than ever. In Aseer, Al-Ahsa, and the Eastern Region, we promoted a collaborative environment and held meetings which were crucial in identifying and leveraging local strengths to build a resilient and thriving tourism ecosystem.
Our Discover Beyond initiative continued, reaching Hail after successful stops in Taif, Aseer, and Al-Ahsa. These events served as vital platforms for building bridges, connecting potential investors with new opportunities, bringing capital to promising regions, and turning local ambitions into tangible action. By engaging directly with communities, we’re not just promoting growth, we’re creating a shared future where economic success is intertwined with social and environmental well-being.
2024 also marked the activation of our ESG Strategy – a cornerstone of our long-term vision. We formalised and began implementing our 5-year ESG Strategy implementation roadmap, achieving 100% of our 2024 implementation target and reaching 40% completion of our overall target. ESG principles are now embedded in our governance with board-level KPIs and an expanded Steering Committee mandate for ESG oversight.
We are also proud to announce the launch of our ESG-integrated debt products, offering incentives for projects that deliver measurable environmental and social impact.
Our commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by achieving a 69% recycling rate and attaining ISO certifications in both facility management and occupational health and safety, underscoring our dedication to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
Our achievements in 2024 are the result of collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose. We forged strategic partnerships with leading organisations, including joining the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and signing MOUs to advance sustainable tourism infrastructure and opportunities.
Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to accelerate the Kingdom’s rise as a global tourism powerhouse – one that balances growth with responsibility, opportunity with preservation, and ambition with accountability. Our ESG journey is just beginning and we are committed to continuous improvement, transparent reporting, and delivering lasting value for all our stakeholders.
I extend my deepest gratitude to H.E. Mr. Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, our Board of Directors, partners, investors, and the entire TDF team for their dedication and trust. Together, we are shaping a sustainable legacy for Saudi tourism and ushering in a new era for tourism.
