Red Sea Global's visionary approach to sustainable tourism
and hospitality
In a recent interview Tracy Lanza, Group Head of Global
Brand Development at Red Sea Global (RSG), shed light on their initiatives that
prioritize People, Planet, and Prosperity, emphasizing their dedication to
responsible travel, education, sustainability, and their pivotal role in
shaping a prosperous and eco-conscious tourism industry.
Q. How is RSG
contributing to the need for investment in projects benefiting People, Planet,
and Prosperity?
RSG's approach to its projects, including The Red Sea and
Amaala, places environmental protection and enrichment at the core. They have
collaborated with Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo and Buro Happold to develop
masterplans that prioritize environmental preservation and enhancement. This
responsible governance underpins all their endeavors.
To support local communities, RSG has initiated various
educational and employment initiatives. These include free online English
courses, scholarships with international universities, vocational training
programs focusing on tourism-related skills, and the Elite Graduate Program in
partnership with the University of Tabuk College of Hospitality & Tourism.
Their aim is to support 10,000 graduates through these educational programs,
with a significant portion coming from the surrounding areas.
Red
Sea Global collaborates with Equinox for new Amaala resort
In addition, RSG has partnered with local businesses that
will be impacted by their developments, such as the establishment of the first
farmers' cooperative. This cooperative will unite 200 farmers, assisting them
in entering new markets, sharing best practices, and ensuring fair prices for
their produce.
To minimize their environmental footprint, RSG has adopted
sustainable building practices, energy-efficient technologies, and conservation
programs. They conducted extensive environmental studies and marine spatial
planning simulations to assess the impact of their developments, with less than
1% of the total site area being developed and 75% of the islands being
preserved for conservation. RSG aims to achieve a 30% net positive conservation
benefit by 2040.
Furthermore, RSG is committed to making their destinations
fully inclusive for guests with disabilities through Project Aurelia, aligning
with ISO 21902 – Accessible Tourism for All.
Q. Could you share
details of non-traditional projects undertaken by RSG at these destinations?
RSG believes that sustainability alone is insufficient and
is dedicated to embracing innovation. They have partnered with ZeroAvia to
develop seaplanes powered by hydrogen fuel cells. They also use carbon-negative
concrete pavers at their landscape nursery to mitigate carbon emissions.
To meet energy needs 24/7, RSG is constructing the world's
largest battery storage facility, ensuring all mobility, from vehicles to boats
to aircraft, is 100% electric or hydrogen-powered. Currently, they have
installed nearly 760,000 solar panels across their farms, achieving an
impressive completion rate of 97%.
Red
Sea Global forms partnership with World Travel & Tourism Council
Q. How does RSG's initiative to plant 50 million mangrove
trees align with the Saudi Green Initiative and contribute to conservation?
RSG's initiative to plant 50 million mangrove trees aligns
with the Saudi Green Initiative's national goals and reflects their commitment
to protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Mangrove trees are
effective at carbon capture and play a crucial role in biodiversity. Growing
these saplings is integral to RSG's goal of achieving a 30% net conservation
benefit by 2040.
Q. What unique
wellness experiences and amenities does Amaala plan to offer, setting itself
apart as a distinctive wellness destination?
Amaala, located on Saudi Arabia's north-western coast,
aspires to be a global leader in integrated wellness destinations. It offers a
range of immersive experiences, drawing inspiration from arts, wellness, and
the Red Sea's pristine beauty. Partnerships with renowned names like Clinique
La Prairie, Jayasom, Equinox Hotels, Six Senses, and Rosewood Hotels &
Resorts ensure a unique blend of luxury and well-being.
Amaala encompasses a vast area with natural ecosystems,
secluded bays, and private beaches. Three distinct experience brands—WAMA,
Galaxea, and Akun—provide diverse activities, including water sports, diving,
terrestrial adventures, and aerial escapades. Amaala is dedicated to creating
fully inclusive experiences for individuals with disabilities or additional
support needs.
Q. How will RSG's
partnership with the WTTC impact local economies and job opportunities in the
regions of The Red Sea and Amaala?
RSG's partnership with the World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC) highlights their role in transitioning from sustainable to regenerative
tourism development. They will work with WTTC to share experiences and best
practices for a more sustainable tourism future. RSG's developments will create
approximately 120,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the Saudi economy,
aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
Red
Sea Global (RSG) receives prestigious Mostadam Diamond Certification for Turtle
Bay Hotel
Q. What types of
accommodations and experiences can visitors expect at The Red Sea, and how does
this align with luxury regenerative tourism?
The Red Sea will feature collaborations with renowned
hospitality brands, offering a blend of luxury and sustainability. The first
three hotels include The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Six Senses Southern Dunes,
and Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Other partners include Four Seasons Resort,
Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, Miraval, Intercontinental Resort, Fairmont, and Raffles.
Our inaugural hotel, Six Senses Southern Dunes at The Red
Sea, promises a unique and unforgettable experience for our guests. Nestled
inland, this resort provides a profound connection with nature. During the day,
visitors can immerse themselves in the undulating sand dunes, while at night,
they can marvel at the breathtaking night sky. Importantly, we actively
preserve this celestial view by minimizing light pollution, ensuring the
welfare of the local wildlife.
Q: How does The Red
Sea distinguish itself from other luxury travel destinations in the region or
globally, offering guests truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences?
At The Red Sea, we are pioneering an exceptional approach to
travel, inviting you to explore a region that has remained unspoiled by mass
tourism. Our unwavering commitment is to provide our guests with unparalleled,
world-class experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.
We have introduced distinct experience brands, namely WAMA,
Galaxea, and Akun, each offering a diverse range of activities. These encompass
water sports, diving, terrestrial adventures, and aerial escapades. Whether
your interests lie in mountain climbing, dune hiking, surface water activities,
or underwater exploration, The Red Sea caters to every individual's
preferences.
We take immense pride in our efforts to enhance
accessibility for all our guests. We are dedicated to creating fully inclusive
experiences for individuals with disabilities or those requiring additional
support. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy uncompromised luxury
hospitality and savor once-in-a-lifetime moments. This includes activities such
as sailing, kayaking, diving among shipwrecks and coral reefs, as well as
exploring inland landscapes and indulging in mesmerizing desert stargazing.
Q: Could you provide
more insights into your marine life institute and the iconic Yacht Club? What
features do they offer, and how do they contribute to enhancing the guest
experience at Amaala?
Our marine life institute, designed by the esteemed
architectural firm Foster + Partners, serves a dual purpose as an advanced
scientific research hub and an engaging tourist attraction. Situated within the
Triple Bay marina at Amaala, the institute stands as the central hub for our
broader mission to safeguard and enhance the vibrant Red Sea coastline in Saudi
Arabia. With the capacity to accommodate up to 650 individuals concurrently,
visitors have the unique opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities.
These include underwater walks, snorkeling alongside rare species, guided
laboratory tours, and deep-sea exploration using a submarine.
Another integral development is the iconic 7,900 square
meter Triple Bay Yacht Club, meticulously designed by the renowned
architectural firm HKS. Amaala aspires to become a globally iconic gathering
place for luxury yachting enthusiasts from around the world.
Source: https://traveltradejournal.com/
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