Saudi Tourism Development Fund Launches AWN Tourism and Hospitality Program 

The Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom. (SPA)
The Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Saudi Tourism Development Fund Launches AWN Tourism and Hospitality Program 

The Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom. (SPA)
The Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom. (SPA)

The Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched on Monday the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom with the resources they need to realize their objectives and aspirations within the tourism industry, reported the Saudi Press Agency. 

The program aims to support new tourism establishments and remodel the existing ones by leveraging the flexible financing solutions provided by TDF, with allocations of up to 10 million Saudi riyals, and a repayment period of up to 10 years.  

Along with commercial franchising, the initiative will provide the targeted projects the tools they need to meet their needs in the areas of accommodation, restaurants and cafes, and entertainment. 

CEO of TDF Qusai Al-Fakhri, said: “This program aims to unlock the potential of small and micro tourism businesses. Small business owners, too, have great business ideas; all they need from time to time is motivation and financial support to thrive.” 

“We are confident our new initiative will give them this opportunity while encouraging knowledge sharing, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the Kingdom.” 

TDF has previously launched several support programs and financing solutions to assist small and micro tourism development projects in meeting their needs and creating investment opportunities to maximize their long-term impact.  

The pre-financing program by the Tourism Development Center is the first innovative and free educational opportunity for entrepreneurs to support and transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.  

The AWN Tourism Experiences program, designed for tour operators, event organizers, and cultural tourism product providers, offers financing solutions and products with easier mechanisms. 



Oil Extends Climb on Supply Fears, Trade War Concerns Cap Gains

FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
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Oil Extends Climb on Supply Fears, Trade War Concerns Cap Gains

FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)

Oil prices inched higher on Tuesday after threats by US President Donald Trump to impose secondary tariffs on Russian crude and attack Iran, though worries about the impact of a trade war on global growth capped gains.

Brent futures rose 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $74.98 a barrel at 0645 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 22 cents, or 0.3%, to $71.70.

The contracts settled at five-week highs a day earlier.

"Near-term risks are skewed to the upside, with US threats of secondary tariffs on Russian and Iranian oil leading market participants to price for the risks of tighter oil supplies," said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG, Reuters reported.

However, broader themes still revolve around concerns of upcoming tariffs weighing on global demand, along with prospects of increased supply from OPEC+ and the US, said Yeap.

A Reuters poll of 49 economists and analysts in March projected that oil prices would remain under pressure this year from US tariffs and economic slowdowns in India and China, while OPEC+ increases supply.

Slower global growth would dent fuel demand, which might offset any reduction in supply due to Trump's threats.

After news of Trump's threats initially boosted prices on Monday, traders told Reuters they viewed the president's warnings to Russia, at least, as a bluff.

Trump, on Sunday, told NBC News that he was very angry with Russian President Vladimir Putin and would impose secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on Russian oil buyers if Moscow tries to block efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Tariffs on buyers of oil from Russia, the world's second largest oil exporter, would disrupt global supply and hurt Moscow's biggest customers, China and India.

Trump also threatened Iran with similar tariffs and bombings if Tehran did not reach an agreement with the White House over its nuclear program.

"For now, it appears to be just a threat to Russia and Iran. However, if it becomes a reality, it creates plenty of upside risk to the market given the significant oil export volumes from both countries," said ING commodities strategists on Tuesday.

The market will be watching for weekly inventory data from US industry group the American Petroleum Institute later on Tuesday, ahead of official statistics from the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday.

Five analysts surveyed by Reuters estimated on average that US crude inventories fell by about 2.1 million barrels in the week to March 28.