Tourism Empowerment Programs
Supporting the backbone of the tourism sector
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) often face barriers to growth, with limited access to affordable financing being one of the most critical.
According to the Saudi Central Bank, only 8% of total bank lending in Saudi Arabia goes to SMEs, despite their vital role in job creation and economic diversification.
TDF’s Tourism Empowerment Programs are designed to catalyse private sector participation across the tourism value chain. These programs go beyond SME support, extending to large organisations as well, and are structured to unlock capital, enhance sector capabilities, and drive sustainable growth. Through strategic partnerships with a wide range of private sector entities, TDF provides not only financing, but also knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and tailored advisory support. This ensures that beneficiaries are investment-ready and aligned with national tourism objectives.
Since Inception
- Total Disbursements
- SAR 3.73 Bn
- Number of Beneficiary Enterprises
- 3,342
Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) Program
A financing program developed by TDF in collaboration with financing companies licensed by the Saudi Central Bank. The program aims to provide support to SMEs and MSMEs in the Tourism Sector by providing appropriate financing solutions, such as working capital and capital expenditures, at competitive prices. Further, it is intended to foster the growth and development of these enterprises, contributing to improving the quality of tourism services. The program was launched with five financing companies as a first phase.
Co-Financing Programs
Joint financing programs between TDF and commercial banks provide financing solutions for SMEs and MSMEs at competitive margins across several areas in the Tourism Sector. This is achieved by leveraging the expertise provided by commercial banks and their geographical distribution across the Kingdom, which will contribute to achieving the goals of the National Tourism Strategy. The program was initiated with the Arab National Bank in the first phase.
Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) Program, since inception
- Programme Budget
- SAR 250 Mn
- Beneficiary Enterprises
- 154
Co-Financing Programs, since inception
- Programme Budget
- SAR 300 Mn
- Beneficiary Enterprises
- 93
Case Study
Golden Host – Enabling Digital Hospitality through TDF’s NBFI Program
Golden Host, a Saudi platform licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and launched in Riyadh in 2023, offers secure and reliable booking of private accommodations across the Kingdom. Through its digital platform, it connects tourists with a wide range of housing options, from apartments and villas to chalets and campsites - serving both short and long-term stays.
To support Golden Host’s growth, the TDF provided financing through its Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) program, which targets MSMEs in the tourism sector. The support enabled Golden Host to enhance its platform, onboard local property providers, and expand its reach nationwide.
Today, Golden Host has over 15,000 residential units, serves more than 160,000 users, and operates in 84 cities across Saudi Arabia. It has become a key player in the Kingdom’s digital hospitality landscape - empowering entrepreneurs, improving the tourist experience, and demonstrating how targeted financial support can unlock innovation and drive inclusive growth.
Fin Tech Platform Program
TDF’s Fin Tech platform act as intermediaries between the Fund and micro and small enterprises, by finding and providing appropriate financing solutions. The program also features rapid access to enterprises, in addition to the speed of financing procedures compared to other financing entities. The program was launched with two companies: Lendo Platform and the Manafa Platform.
- Programme Budget
- SAR 30 Mn
- Beneficiary Enterprises
- 1
Kafalah Program
Kafalah program provides guarantees to MSMEs in the tourism sector. It works by encouraging funding institutions to support these businesses, offering guarantees covering up to 90% of the required financing amount.
- Programme Budget
- SAR 229.5 Mn
- Total Support
- SAR 3,361 Mn*
- Beneficiary Enterprises
- 3,091
* The Kafalah program was previously under the Ministry of Tourism and subsequently moved under TDF in 2018. The amount of disbursement are since inception of the program.