Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced regarding the establishment of “Dan Company.” This new company specializes in agritourism and ecotourism and has ambitious plans to develop unique tourism projects in cities throughout Saudi Arabia. These projects will showcase the stunning natural landscapes and farmland, inviting visitors to fully immerse themselves in the distinctive Saudi regional culture and traditions, including arts, crafts, local cuisines, and customs. Agritourism refers to visitor experiences related to traditional farming, while ecotourism focuses on experiencing nature while minimizing environmental impact.
GDP contribution
As Dan Company expands to other locations, it is estimated that it will contribute approximately SAR 6 billion ($1.6 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP by 2030. Additionally, the company will support the goals of Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy and increasing the contribution of city economies to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.
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Empowering local communities
Dan Company aims to empower local communities by providing them with opportunities to participate in the tourism industry. The company plans to grant franchises to farmers and tourist lodge operators, equipping them with the necessary training and knowledge to establish and grow their facilities. This approach will not only create new experiences for Saudi and international visitors, but it will also stimulate investment in the private sector and generate direct and indirect employment opportunities.
First project
The first project undertaken by Dan Company will be situated in the Al-Ahsa region and will cover an extensive area of 1.8 million square meters. This project will consist of three distinct resorts: an eco-resort, an agri-resort, and an adventure resort. Each resort will cater to a specific niche market within the tourism sector, offering exceptional visitor experiences tailored to the preferences of a wide range of tourists.
Unique agriculture produce
The agritourism resort will celebrate the unique agricultural produce of Al-Ahsa, particularly its renowned rice and dates. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences, including seasonal farming, harvesting, and cooking with farm-sourced products, emphasizing the journey from field to plate.
Embracing sustainability
On the other hand, both the eco-resort and adventure resorts will focus on providing experiences that connect visitors with the surrounding landscape. The eco-resort will prioritize the use of local materials with low carbon emissions, preserving the region’s flora and fauna. The adventure resort, on the other hand, will offer exciting and environmentally-friendly activities such as horse riding, stargazing, and climbing the nearby rocky hills.
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