Tracy Lanza, Group Head of Global Brand Development at RSG, tells TTN, “Our goals include creating a vibrant society, by developing community programmes through national and international partnerships to support youth empowerment and social engagement; building a thriving economy by creating 70,000 jobs and fostering opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs; and contributing an estimated SAR 22 billion to the local economy once our destinations are fully operational in efforts to raise tourism to 10 per cent of GDP.”
We speak to Tracy for the latest developments, destination partnerships and focus on sustainability.
Is Red Sea Global on track to position Saudi Arabia as a highly sought after tourist destination? What progress can we expect to see in the coming year?
We are developing two of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations to bring together luxury, nature, and sustainability in unparalleled experiences.
Our breathtaking and diverse topographies will welcome both domestic and international travellers and make Saudi Arabia a highly sought-after global destination.
Our ambitions are not only aligned with national net-zero strategies and the Saudi Green Initiative but are the key to protecting the natural environment for future generations to come”
– Tracy Lanza
Our recently announced water sport brands – WAMA and Galaxea – will deliver incredible under and above water experiences – whether diving, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, foiling, kite surfing, sailing, or exploring the Red Sea’s pristine submarine world.
Meanwhile, at Amaala’s Triple Bay development, three Phase One resorts will welcome guests on personalized wellness journeys – including leading longevity clinic, Clinique La Prairie; to world-class wellness resort operator, Jayasom; and the renowned Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
We are set to welcome our first guests to The Red Sea this year with the launch of our first three hotels – Six Senses Southern Dunes, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve. Our airport, Red Sea International, will also operate its inaugural flights this summer.
What wider opportunities does Red Sea Global present for Saudi’s tourism industry?
Our destinations are the first-of-their-kind in the Kingdom where travellers can explore pristine islands and thriving marine life. But to ensure we open these gateways responsibly, we are transforming the regional industry through pioneering regenerative tourism. We are unlocking new potential for tourism as a force for good, by creating a better world for people and the planet.
In addition to bringing renowned luxury lifestyle brands to Saudi Arabia – what I’m most proud of is the ways in which we are educating young Saudi talent and building a hospitality industry for the country. Initiatives like our Elite Graduate Program, and partnerships with the University of Prince Mugrin, the Saudi Human Resources Development Fund, and University of Tabuk are key to empowering emerging talent with and advancing the industry to global standards.
Further underscoring the scale of opportunities that our projects present, we are thrilled to foster exciting investment capabilities for both local and international players.
Most recently, we achieved commercial close on our first-ever joint venture agreement with leading real estate investment company Al Mutlaq Group – valued at SAR 1 billion for the development of Jumeirah The Red Sea resort.
How will RSG ensure it is a sustainable tourism destination?
We have rigorous sustainability practices in place, guided by our commitment to deliver carbon-negative operations and achieve a 30 per cent net conservation benefit by 2040.
Our sustainable practices also trickle down to guest experiences – from banning single use plastics to exploring a smart and sustainable mobility network with electric and hydrogen powered vehicles such as electric bikes at our resorts.
And to avoid over-tourism, we are capping annual visitors to The Red Sea at one million, and 500,000 at Amaala by 2030.
Sustainability is also embedded at the core of our master planning, right from the construction phase. For example, our efforts in offsite manufacturing and zero waste to landfill – most notable across our Turtle Bay Hotel, which was recently awarded the prestigious Green Key Certification, and Sheybarah Island’s floating steel orbs. Their prefabricated nature ensured minimal construction impact on-site.
Ultimately, our ambitions are not only aligned with national net-zero strategies and the Saudi Green Initiative but are the key to protecting the natural environment for future generations to come.
* Find Red Sea Global on stand ME5150