Riding the tide of sustainability in the Red Sea

We have heard time and time again that a thriving ocean is the key to unlocking long-term sustainability for our planet. As a primary source of sustenance and livelihoods, not only does it provide the essentials for life but is also the richest repository of natural resources. But what does this mean for industries like tourism?

A healthy marine environment is the foundation for much of the world’s tourism. Millions of travelers actively seek out coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life each year. Hotel guests are willing to pay a premium for rooms with an ocean view. This increasing demand for coastal and marine experiences currently constitutes 50 percent of all global tourism, according to the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.

There has never been a more pressing time for us to chart a new course towards regenerating, restoring, and elevating ocean resilience. And I believe Saudi Arabia is among the best-placed destinations in the world to redefine new industry norms in protecting and nurturing this extraordinary natural resource, while strengthening coastal, marine, and cruise tourism’s contributions to the Kingdom’s economic diversification.

Prioritizing nature-positive tourism

Saudi Arabia is geographically blessed with over 2,420km of coastline, three-quarters of which is dotted along the breathtaking Red Sea. It is also one of the final frontiers for diving. A wealth of magnificent beaches, world-class dive sites, ancient shipwrecks, and uninhabited desert islands await the world’s most discerning travelers, offering unimaginable experiences amidst thriving marine ecosystems and spectacular coral reefs.

To bring this exceptional proposition to the fore as an integral economic pillar for Vision 2030, entities like Cruise Saudi, the recently established Regulatory Arrangements of the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), and our remarkable teams at The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) are undoubtedly setting the right tone. Our collective commitments to manage the Red Sea in responsible, sustainable ways is setting the foundation for the public and private sector at large to benefit from a full-suite coastal, marine, and cruise tourism market.

At TRSDC, we envision both our destinations – The Red Sea Project and AMAALA – as catalysts to…