An exciting new luxury destination is being developed on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia called The Red Sea. Spread over 28,000 square kilometres, the stunning new settlement is surrounded by the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system. There are over 90 virgin islands, pristine beaches, dormant volcanos, desert dunes, mountain canyons and historical cultural sites.
The Red Sea is expected to start welcoming guests by later this year. Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea will have 50 resorts, offering 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.
We recently spoke to Tracy Lanza, Group Head of Global Brand Development, Red Sea Global, to learn more about what tourists can expect from the destination.
What makes The Red Sea special
We are committed to being the world's most ambitious and regenerative tourism destination. Everything we do aims to contribute to the planet's well-being. That includes taking care of flora and fauna and ensuring that the local community also benefits, whether it's by supplying produce from their farms or selling crafts to tourists.
Please provide an update on the progress of the project.
Three new hotels are set to open at The Red Sea. The first one, Six Senses, is a popular wellness retreat that develops its properties in harmony with the natural surroundings. Two other new hotels will open at Ummahat Islands St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
With a thriving water sports centre, guests at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort can try their hand at sailing, windsurfing and kayaking through mangrove forests. Diving is the biggest draw for guests at Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, with a state-of-the-art diving centre where guests can explore what lies beneath one of the planet's most untouched and protected archipelagoes.
These hotels are perfect for travellers looking for an island getaway. By the end of 2024, we'll open our main hotel, the 430-room Grand Hyatt on Shaura Island, the hub of the Red Sea Project this will be perfect for destination weddings and other events where there will be a large gatherings of people.
Indian travellers tend to prioritise affordability and Value for money. What do you have in store for them
The Indian market is our top priority we've been actively working on it since last year. We recognise that India is the number one market for the Maldives, which serves as our benchmark destination. We aim to offer Indian clients the same luxurious experience they expect from high-end brands and one-of-a-kind destination experiences. This includes opportunities to enjoy crystal-clear waters, breathtaking coral reefs, majestic mountains, volcanoes, and thrilling desert adventures. We are confident that we can fully meet the needs of the Indian market.
Tell us about the sustainability initiatives of The Red Sea Global brand.
At Red Sea Global, we prioritise sustainable and regenerative tourism. Our goal is to share our sustainability strategy with the world. Every year, we release a sustainability report that assesses the environment's health. Recently, we discovered a new species of fish, indicating that we are preserving the environment and positively impacting it. Our power station is connected to green, 100% renewable energy. Additionally, we operate a coral farm using innovative 3D technology to cultivate new corals. Our nursery boasts the largest area of one million square feet with 25 million plants. Sustainability is a core value we take to heart, and we strive to go above and beyond by regenerating the environment.
And what have you thought of in terms of family entertainment and adventure activities
We will provide experiences such as overseas sailing, surfing, and diving. There are multiple options where families can do things together. So there will be child-appropriate activities where the parents can have their own time and others to engage with their kids.
Getting There
The Red Sea is 500km north of Jeddah, between the Saudi towns of AlWajh and Umluj. With its own dedicated Red Sea International Airport (RSI), The Red Sea will be easily accessible to visitors from around the world.
Climate
With a temperate climate averaging a perfect 32 degrees Celsius, The Red Sea is a year-round destination that will enable you to discover more than 90 untouched islands, dormant volcanos, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons and historical and cultural sites.