How Red Sea Global Is Crafting Unique Experiences
Think futuristic and the projects by Red Sea Global spring to every traveller's mind. From the pristine shores to unparalleled hospitality offerings, Red Sea Global is all set to mark a turning point in how we experience a destination. But what goes behind making such an ambitious idea a reality, so much so that it has sustained the world's attention since its announcement? Reema-Al-Mokhtar, Director – Travel Trade Marketing, Red Sea Global, tells Outlook Traveller in an exclusive interview.
The Red Sea and AMAALA are two ambitious luxury regenerative tourism destinations being developed by Red Sea Global. What sets these destinations apart and how do they aim to set new standards in sustainable development?
As a developer creating new destinations in areas previously untouched by tourism, we understand that we have a responsibility to develop sustainably, giving utmost consideration to our environment. However, we’ve come to realize that being ‘sustainable’ is no longer enough. That is why we have chosen to pioneer a new model of development that goes beyond simply protecting the natural environment to improving it for future generations to treasure and enjoy – a concept we term ‘regenerative tourism’. We believe this is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing.
Our primary research in 10 key feeder markets showed that travellers are more aware of their environmental impact than ever. But what we are starting to see is that they don’t just want to minimize their negative impact; they want to go beyond this and make a positive difference when they travel. We recognize this thirst for a better way to travel, and we understand that to achieve this, we must go further than providing sustainability-focused products. The cornerstone of regenerative tourism is about ensuring that our presence has a positive impact both socially and environmentally.
To do this, we aim to achieve a 30% net conservation benefit at each of our two destinations by 2040 by enhancing biologically diverse habitats, including mangroves, seagrass, corals, and land vegetation. We want to help show what a better future for travel could look like. Today, we appeal to trailblazers who are looking to make a positive impact when they travel. Tomorrow, this will become the norm, and we will be well-positioned to offer unique experiences that make a difference – for example, planting mangroves in the morning, enjoying authentic Saudi cuisine with a local community at lunchtime, and ending the day looking at the night sky that has been actively protected from light pollution for the health of our wildlife.
Apart from its pristine lands and waters, what other features contribute to the overall experience for visitors to the Red Sea?
We are thrilled to be opening a truly unique combination of land and sea to the world. How many luxury resorts can offer desert landscapes connected to some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs? This diverse topography forms the cornerstone of the extraordinary experiences on offer for our visitors. Earlier this year, we launched our experience brands, WAMA and Galaxea, which will deliver unforgettable adventures for guests above and below the water. Whether our guests want to kayak among mangroves, kitesurf, go e-boarding or foiling, or explore the extraordinary beauty of coral reefs and other sites below the waves, WAMA and Galaxea will ensure that they make the most of our incredible marine environment.
Our third subsidiary, the adventure sports brand Akun, will offer on-land adventures such as mountain, electric and fat tire biking, trail running, rock climbing, scrambling, and a wide selection of thrilling action sports. All three of these subsidiaries were formed with our sustainability principles at their core, and we aim to utilize them across our growing portfolio of projects and potentially export them as standalone brands operating at destinations around the world. Each one of our experiences has been meticulously crafted to amplify the incredible and unparalleled nature that surrounds us.
What has been the impact on the local community and tourism industry considering the recent popularity among travellers?
Our communities are an integral part of all our projects. We believe that true sustainability should encompass a holistic approach. It’s as much about people as it is about the environment.
We work incredibly closely with local residents and communities wherever we operate, and we have implemented several initiatives to benefit the local people. Our initiatives include sponsoring the Amerah Souk, the first market to highlight local artisans and food producers in the town of Umluj, as well as launching The Red Sea’s Farmers Cooperative, which has brought together farms in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk region, championing sustainable farming practices.
We put great emphasis on delivering better economic and social outcomes for the people of Saudi Arabia. We’ve already provided vocational and educational training with 430 students successfully graduating this year alone, as well as professional programs such as English-language training and reskilling for jobs in the maritime industry.
What's the most unique aspect of tourism that positions your destinations as a special one for travellers?
Our guests are a part of our journey and vision. We want to cultivate a sense of responsibility and admiration for the world in which we live with every guest.
We are witnessing a significant global shift toward responsible tourism, driven by a heightened awareness of our impact on the planet. Our aim, at both The Red Sea and AMAALA, is to cultivate awareness and appreciation among our discerning guests and encourage them to become advocates for regenerative practices in their future travels.
Could you elaborate on any unique festivals or events that attract Indian tourists to your country, and how do they contribute to the local economy and cultural exchange?
India and Saudi Arabia share a multitude of cultural values, for instance, the emphasis on family and a love of sharing food. We are committed to providing our guests from India with unique experiences based on a mutual appreciation of customs and traditions.
Given our close geographical proximity and the rising demand among Indian families to travel to unexplored parts of the world, we provide an environment where our guests can spend quality time together among some of the most inspiring natural landscapes in the world, thanks to our blend of unspoiled nature reserves with luxury beachfront resorts. Leveraging our position, we look forward to welcoming guests from India to our shores now and in the future, helping to contribute to local economies, facilitating cultural exchange, and strengthening ties between Indian guests and residents.
