SAUDI ARABIA Witness Miracle at the Red Sea
Working towards establishing itself as a major tourism player by 2030, Saudi Arabia has a series of projects in various advanced stages of development. One such major path-breaking development that is underway and scheduled for opening in 2023 is the innovative, sustainable, responsible and regenerative developments at the Red Sea spearheaded by Red Sea Global (RSG). TTJ interacted with Loredana Pettinati, Senior Travel Trade Director, Red Sea Global, to know more about the project and the positioning of the product for the Indian traveller. RSG is the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala mega projects. Please share the scale and scope of these megaprojects and the vision behind them.
Red Sea Global (RSG) is a global multiproject developer, seeking to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible and regenerative development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment. The protection of natural capital is central to all development decisions, as the organisation seeks to create a better future for all.
RSG is the visionary company behind some of the world’s most ambitious development ventures, including luxury regenerative tourism destinations such as The Red Sea, one of the world’s last true hidden treasures, The Red Sea is surrounded by the world’s fourthlargest barrier reef system and spans over 28,000-square-kilometers with an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands, pristine beaches, dormant volcanos, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons and historical cultural sites.
AMAALA is an exquisite, luxury tourism destination that sets our guests on
transformative personal wellness journeys. Spanning over 4,000 square km of unique heritage, landscape, pristine ecosystems, and world-class yachting opportunities.
RSG’s vision is to become the world’s most responsible developer by trailblazing new global standards which see built environments become enablers for social and ecological transformation. Its mission is to act as agents of change, by partnering with the world’s greatest minds to spearhead new innovations that reimagine the boundaries of our sector and create a better world for people and the planet.
These destinations are being highlighted as luxury, regenerative, sustainable tourism destinations. Please throw some light on the major initiatives.
Red Sea Global is at the forefront of the global transition towards regenerative tourism going beyond sustainability to have a regenerative impact on not only the environment but also on society and the economy. This vision is being delivered through innovation and careful management of natural capital.
In line with this, we have planned to leave 75 per cent of The Red Sea islands undeveloped and therefore less than 1 per cent of the destination’s total 28,000 km2 will be developed. Once the destination is fully operational, our subsequent aim is to entirely ban single-use plastics to be carbon neutral.
Along with sustainable construction, waste management and the use of 100 per cent clean energy from renewable sources, The Red Sea is also committed to offering emission-free electric and hydrogen transport across the entire destination. Apart from these measures, we will also be capping the yearly number of visitors to The Red Sea at one million based on the environmental carrying capacity of the destination.
What are the launch plans for the initial opening in 2023?
The Red Sea is set to welcome its first guest in 2023 as our first three resorts open, St Regis Red Sea Resort, Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and Nujuma, A RitzCarlton Reserve as well as a terminal at Red Sea International Airport (RSI) that will receive travellers from Riyadh.
The first phase of The Red Sea is currently fully underway and will offer an impressive lineup of 16 resorts with 3,000 keys and 400 residential properties. The destination will also feature an exclusive international airport, an 18-hole championship golf course, a luxury marina, sprawling athletic and beach clubs, indulgent entertainment and leisure facilities comprising exquisite F&B outlets and luxury boutiques with prominent brands along with provisions to host weddings and events.
When completed in 2030, there will be 50 resorts and attractions. Are plans for these frozen? Please share details.
Planning for phase two has already commenced with the entire destination set to be complete by 2030. Upon completion, it will feature 50 resorts with 8,000 keys, over 1,000 residential properties spread across 22 islands and six inland sites.
Are these developments purely leisure and vacation oriented or residential and business developments also being planned?
The Red Sea is a pioneering regenerative tourism destination offering both resorts operated by globally celebrated brands and branded residentials. By 2030, The Red Sea will be home to 50 resorts with 8,000 keys and 1,000 residential properties.
How many global visitors are you expecting in the year 2023 and what are your expectations from India market?
While we anticipate 300,000 annual arrivals at the completion of phase one, we expect to welcome one million tourists annually once the destination is fully operational, capped in line with its sustainability ambitions.
How do Indian travellers fare in your plans till 2030?
India is a key source market for us. The country’s luxury travel market is indicating steady growth and travellers are seeking experiences that are not only luxurious
but also
immersive and memorable. Additionally, as environmental concerns escalate, a growing number of studies suggest a mounting inclination of travellers towards sustainable and ecofriendly travel. The Red Sea is being developed considering all these factors and with acute detailing to exceed the needs of the discerning global traveller. It presents the promise of enjoying world-class luxurious travel experiences while making a positive environmental impact and without compromising on factors such as convenience and comfort.
With easy accessibility from India, excellent weather, a range of exclusive stay options, unique activities and immersive experiences, we are confident that the destination will soon feature on the top of many a travel bucket lists.
What are the promotion and marketing plans for India market?
With an aim to inform and educate the key stakeholders about The Red Sea’s unique and diverse offerings, our comprehensive
marketing strategy includes several activities such as strategic collaborations and trade partnerships, exciting campaigns, participation in important trade shows, wide-scale visibility via multiple media outlets, among other things. Simultaneously, we are continually assisting our trade partners by enriching their knowledge about the destination through personalised and one-to-one meetings. As we move into 2023 and closer to the launch of the destination, we are eagerly looking forward to exploring creative collaborations and meaningful associations and with other potential partners.