Riyadh: Under the patronage of Aseer Region Governor and Aseer Development Authority Chairman Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the national enabler of the tourism sector, took part in the second annual Aseer Investment Forum. The forum spotlights high-potential investment opportunities across the region's key sectors, with a special focus on tourism. The TDF's participation as a strategic partner reaffirms its commitment to supporting high-impact projects; empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); and accelerating tourism investments in a region known for its extraordinary natural and cultural appeal.
According to Saudi Press Agency, as part of the forum's agenda, TDF senior executives embarked on site visits to several flagship tourism projects supported by the fund in the Aseer region. The tour began with The Point, the region's largest mixed-use development. Spanning 75,000 square meters, the destination marks the first Hilton-branded hotel in Aseer, featuring 250 guest rooms. The project also includes a vibrant retail hub with 150 stores, 41 restaurants and caf©s, and 10 state-of-the-art cinema halls. Thoughtfully designed to celebrate the region's cultural identity, The Point offers a seamless fusion of hospitality, entertainment, and shopping in one dynamic location.
The delegation then visited Khayal Walk Boulevard, an entertainment and retail complex distinguished by its innovative design that blends urban architecture with the mountainous terrain of Aseer. The project includes terraced levels that house upscale boutiques, restaurants, and caf©s, delivering a refined visitor experience anchored in local heritage.
Next on the itinerary was the InterContinental Hotel, one of the region's flagship luxury hospitality developments. Strategically located to offer stunning natural views, the hotel comprises over 200 rooms and is operated by global hospitality leader IHG Hotels and Resorts. It also features an array of amenities, including fine-dining venues, event spaces, and a children's club, serving a broad spectrum of traveler needs.
The final stop was Le Premier, Aseer's first mixed-use destination that fuses modern aesthetics with a strong national character. The development includes six locally inspired restaurant and caf© buildings and the four-star Hajlah Hotel, which will offer approximately 150 rooms and a state-of-the-art conference hall, establishing the destination as a year-round draw for both leisure and business tourism in Abha.
The combined value of tourism projects enabled by TDF in the Aseer region has now reached approximately SAR2 billion, reflecting the fund's ongoing commitment to developing distinctive tourism destinations that contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030.
'Our participation in the second Aseer Investment Forum aligns with the fund's broader strategy to enable promising destinations across Saudi Arabia,' said TDF Chief Executive Qusai Al-Fakhri. 'By catalyzing tourism investments and providing tailored financial and advisory solutions, we support transformative projects to grow and thrive. Aseer's exceptional natural and cultural assets make it a prime destination for tourism development, and we are proud to foster partnerships that drive sustainable growth in line with the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.'
During the forum, the TDF held a workshop titled 'Tourism Financing: Sustainable Solutions for Investors in Aseer Region,' which explored the fund's portfolio of financial offerings. The session provided insights into eligibility criteria, access mechanisms, and investor-focused financing solutions tailored to the local market.
The TDF also featured a dedicated interactive booth, where it showcased its suite of financing products and non-financial programs, offering direct consultations to entrepreneurs and investors interested in entering the tourism sector in Aseer Region.
Through such initiatives, the TDF continues to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable tourism destinations that enrich the visitor experience and position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism hub, fully aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.