Prime Highlights
- TDF announced SR2.9 billion ($773.2 million) in new tourism projects and partnerships to promote sustainable and diverse destinations across Saudi Arabia.
- The initiatives support the Kingdom’s vision to become a global ecotourism hub, with major developments in the Aseer and Al-Baha regions.
Key Facts
- Five integrated projects, Jared Aseer, Ard Al Dabab, Al-Hadhba Park, Westin Resort, and The House Residences, will add 1,211 hotel keys in Aseer.
- MoUs signed with Melia Hotels, ina Hospitality, and Italy’s Arsenale will add 1,000 hotel rooms and launch the 1,300 km “Dream of the Desert” luxury train.
Background
The Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched its participation at the TOURISE 2025 Forum by announcing major tourism projects and partnerships worth SR2.9 billion ($773.2 million). The initiative shows the fund’s role in building sustainable and diverse tourism destinations across the Kingdom.
The announcement, made under the patronage of Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Aseer Region, included five integrated projects offering a total of 1,211 hotel keys. These projects include Jared Aseer, Ard Al Dabab, Al-Hadhba Park, Westin Resort, and The House Residences. Future plans will develop the Heefah and Jabal Abdullah areas under the Mantis hotel brand, supporting the Aseer strategy to make the region a year-round tourist destination.
TDF also announced the ‘Sareena’ project in Al-Baha, which will focus on eco-tourism and nature-based hospitality. The project will link destinations with trails and boost the local economy.
In a move to expand global collaboration, the fund signed MoUs with Melia Hotels International to develop around 1,000 hotel rooms and introduce new brands such as ZEL, and with ina Hospitality to bring Relais & Chateaux to Saudi Arabia for the first time.
Additionally, an agreement with Italy’s Arsenale will launch the “Dream of the Desert” project, a luxury hotel train covering 1,300 km across five routes, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural beauty.
Through these projects, TDF actively builds partnerships that boost tourism growth and lead to the development of tourism and are in line with the Kingdom’s aspiraiton of being a global hub for ecotourism.
