Grow Tourism Rural Accelerator



About The Program

Unlocking possibilities for rural farms to transition into captivating glamping and rural accommodation destinations. Whether you're a small family farm or a larger estate owner, equipped with creative solutions to reimagine your space for a blend of authentic cultural experiences and hospitality, our program is tailored for you. This initiative aims to empower rural farms, fostering a new era of sustainable tourism and creating a harmonious connection between culture and hospitality. Join us in reshaping the narrative of rural tourism and turning your farm into a charming retreat.



What We Offer

Capitalize on an outstanding accelerator program tailored for the lodging industry. Immerse yourself in a dynamic network and showcase your innovative cultural experiences. Beyond traditional accelerators, this program acts as a growth catalyst, cultivating valuable relationships with prospective guests, industry experts, and potential investors, propelling your lodging venture to new heights.

Intensive Training

Participants in the program will undergo a comprehensive and intensive training curriculum, covering key aspects of the lodging industry. From operational efficiency and customer service excellence to innovative cultural experiences, the program ensures a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved in running a successful lodging venture.

World-class Experts Mentorship

Benefit from unparalleled guidance through world-class mentorship, provided by seasoned industry experts and successful entrepreneurs in the lodging sector. These mentors will offer personalized insights, share valuable experiences, and provide strategic advice to help participants navigate challenges and make informed decisions, contributing to the overall growth and success of their lodging ventures.

Exposure and Visibility

Participants will be provided with platforms to showcase their innovative cultural experiences to a global audience. Through targeted marketing efforts, networking events, and collaborations, participants will gain the visibility needed to attract guests, partners, and potential investors, positioning their lodging ventures as distinctive and appealing within the market.

Exposure and Visibility

Participants will have privileged access to a network of strategic partners and services essential for the success of their lodging ventures. These partners may include industry-specific technology providers, marketing agencies, legal advisors, and other crucial service providers. Leveraging these partnerships, participants can optimize their operations, enhance guest experiences, and ensure the overall success and sustainability of their lodging businesses.

Intensive Training

Participants in the program will undergo a comprehensive and intensive training curriculum, covering key aspects of the lodging industry. From operational efficiency and customer service excellence to innovative cultural experiences, the program ensures a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved in running a successful lodging venture.

World-class Experts Mentorship

Benefit from unparalleled guidance through world-class mentorship, provided by seasoned industry experts and successful entrepreneurs in the lodging sector. These mentors will offer personalized insights, share valuable experiences, and provide strategic advice to help participants navigate challenges and make informed decisions, contributing to the overall growth and success of their lodging ventures.

Exposure and Visibility

Participants will be provided with platforms to showcase their innovative cultural experiences to a global audience. Through targeted marketing efforts, networking events, and collaborations, participants will gain the visibility needed to attract guests, partners, and potential investors, positioning their lodging ventures as distinctive and appealing within the market.

Access to Partner Services

Participants will have privileged access to a network of strategic partners and services essential for the success of their lodging ventures. These partners may include industry-specific technology providers, marketing agencies, legal advisors, and other crucial service providers. Leveraging these partnerships, participants can optimize their operations, enhance guest experiences, and ensure the overall success and sustainability of their lodging businesses.


Left Pattern
Right Pattern

Who Should Apply Title Pattern

Our program will foster the growth of emerging lodging ventures within the hospitality sector, particularly those with an operational history of less than 18 months. We extend a sincere invitation to farm owners engaged in lodging operations on their premises, provided they demonstrate a dedication to expanding their impact, enriching cultural experiences, and enhancing hospitality for visitors of the Kingdom from around the world. We welcome lodges that resonate with our vision of promoting innovation and excellence in the realm of hospitality and sustainable lodging

We are seeking farm owners who are currently running agritourism lodging ventures on their farms that:

Possess natural features that enhance guest experiences

Prioritize environmentally conscious initiatives and are strategically located near cultural or touristic hubs

Operate lodges near touristic attractions, showcasing cultural or heritage experiences for guests while blending traditional hospitality with modern amenities

Possess natural features that enhance guest experiences

Prioritize environmentally conscious initiatives and are strategically located near cultural or touristic hubs

Operate lodges near touristic attractions, showcasing cultural or heritage experiences for guests while blending traditional hospitality with modern amenities



Program Stages

Call to Application

Filtering and Qualification Phase

Bootcamp kickoff

Accelerator cohort kickoff

Closing ceremony and post-program support

Call to Application

Filtering and Qualification Phase

Bootcamp kickoff

Accelerator cohort kickoff

Closing ceremony and post-program support



Frequently Asked Questions

What is the selection process like?
All applicants will undergo two rounds of screening by our program team. Each application will be reviewed for program alignment in the first round. Shortlisted startups will be invited to participate in a series of virtual interviews, and finalists will be notified ahead of a program kickoff.

What is the duration of the program?
Three and a half months

Do all team members need to be actively involved throughout the program?
No, the presence of all team members is not mandatory. The attendance of the owner or a representative among the team members is sufficient.

How do I make sure my registration request has been received?
A confirmation message will be sent via the email entered in the registration form.


Please Read Terms and Condition

Tourism Development Fund

Accelerator Program Terms, Conditions, and Declaration

Notice:

The Tourism Development Fund ("the Fund") retains the right to alter and/or amend any terms, conditions, or declaration at any time, at its sole discretion, without the need for prior consent from the participant. In the event of such changes, they will be promptly communicated via the Fund's official website, social media channels, or through the email address provided by the participant during their enrollment process.

Introduction:

The Tourism Development Fund has launched the "Accelerator Program" to incentivize entrepreneurs and SME’s enterprises, aiming to bolster the tourism sector within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

About the Program:

This pioneering program empowers entrepreneurs and startups in the tourism industry by fostering investment-minded thinking, honing entrepreneurial skills, and equipping them with the essential tools and support from specialized mentors and experts in the field.

Accelerator program, spanning three months, includes:

Interactive workshops and guidance sessions conducted by industry experts and specialists.

Engagements with seasoned entrepreneurs and founders of innovative projects in the tourism sector.

Opportunities for investment pitches during a conclusive showcase attended by investment funds and angel investors.

Connections with a diverse array of stakeholders from both government and private sectors.

The content will be accessible both online and in-person at the specified location.

Commitment:

This document delineates the terms and conditions between the Fund and the program participants, referred to collectively as "Participants" and individually as a "Participant." These terms and conditions, along with the declaration, are applicable to all program participants. Each participant is expected to thoroughly read and comprehend them prior to submitting their application for the program.

Upon acceptance and signature by the participant, this document becomes a legally binding agreement, necessitating compliance with its stipulated terms and condition


Firstly: Terms and Conditions

  1. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Startups must have operations in Saudi Arabia or show commitment to expanding there.
  3. Startups must be in the Seed to Series A stage.
  4. Applications undergo thorough review; acceptance is not guaranteed.
  5. Participants must uphold public decency and professional conduct.
  6. Intellectual property rights of program materials belong to the Fund; commercial use is not permitted.
  7. The Fund can use participant photos, videos, and recordings for marketing purposes with prior approval.
  8. Information provided is not professional advice; participants should seek independent advice.
  9. Acceptance into the program doesn't guarantee funding or job opportunities.
  10. Participants must keep others' business ideas and concepts confidential.
  11. The Fund may request additional information at any time.
  12. The Fund can reject applications not meeting terms and conditions.
  13. False information may lead to disqualification and legal actions.
  14. Participants must disclose existing health conditions.
  15. Full engagement with program requirements is expected.
  16. Full attendance is mandatory; excessive absences may lead to termination.
  17. Participants must have a computer with internet access for virtual sessions.
  18. Cameras must be on during all virtual meetings.
  19. Participants must submit and sign all required legal documents.
  20. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodation expenses.
  21. The Fund is not liable for any risks; participants assume responsibility.
  22. Participants agree to indemnify the Fund from claims, damages, and losses.
  23. Terms and conditions are subject to Saudi Arabian laws and regulations.