Red Sea Global attracts divers worldwide through nature-based tourism

 

Divers worldwide have a new place in Red Sea Global to enjoy diving

As the demand for nature-based travel grows, Red Sea Global is combining sustainable tourism with active marine conservation to engage and educate visitors.

Nature-based tourism is gaining traction. Recent research indicates that travelers increasingly seek unique experiences in unfamiliar destinations that foster deeper connections with the natural world. SkiftX spoke with Dr. Mishari Al-Saud, Associate Director of Sustainability Management at Red Sea Global, to explore how the Red Sea’s marine biodiversity attracts eco-conscious travelers.

SkiftX: How does Red Sea Global merge sustainable tourism with marine conservation?

Dr. Mishari Al-Saud: At Red Sea Global, we blend luxury tourism with environmental stewardship to set industry benchmarks. We view to
urism and conservation as interdependent. Our aim is not only to minimize our ecological footprint but also to enhance the environments we interact with. We employ advanced technologies to monitor coral health, relocate endangered species, and develop coral farming techniques, achieving success rates of 87 to 97 percent across 300 floating nursery sites.

 

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We also invite our guests to engage directly in our conservation efforts, providing opportunities for them to participate in coral restoration and other innovative practices. This comprehensive approach ensures that every visitor interaction contributes positively to our ecosystems.

SkiftX: What are the primary goals of Red Sea Global’s strategy for making diverse marine environments accessible to tourists?

Al-Saud: While oceans cover over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, they receive significantly less attention and funding compared to land-based projects. The UN's Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on marine life, is the least funded, requiring $175 billion annually by 2030 but receiving less than $10 billion from 2015 to 2019. This oversight is largely due to the oceans being out of sight.

We aim to shift this narrative by showcasing the beauty and importance of the Red Sea's marine ecosystems. We are dedicated to preserving these habitats while ensuring they are accessible for responsible tourism. Our goal is to strengthen the connection between people and the oceans, raising awareness and support for marine conservation.

SkiftX: What ecotourism experiences can visitors expect at The Red Sea?

Al-Saud: The Red Sea offers a comprehensive experience that intertwines nature, culture, and local communities. A typical day might start with a hike along coastal trails, exploring intertidal zones, and planting mangroves to witness thriving ecosystems. Guests can then savor a traditional Saudi meal in a local village, enjoying the region’s hospitality. The day could culminate in stargazing under a pristine night sky, protected by the Dark Sky Initiative.

Local Saudi guides with deep knowledge of the area lead these experiences, fostering cultural exchanges with local artisans and musicians, enriching guests' understanding of Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

 

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SkiftX: What unique marine species can divers encounter in the Red Sea?

Al-Saud: The Red Sea boasts incredible marine biodiversity, featuring 175 coral species and 195 fish species. Notable encounters may include endangered species such as the Dugong, Halavi Guitarfish, and both Green and Hawksbill sea turtles. One standout is an ancient coral colony, approximately 600 years old, that exemplifies the resilience of this ecosystem.

Our mission is to protect these species to ensure their habitats remain vibrant for divers.

SkiftX: How does Red Sea Global showcase rare marine species while protecting their habitats?

Al-Saud: We limit visitor numbers to one million annually at The Red Sea and half a million at AMAALA to prevent environmental degradation. Our development footprint is also minimal, utilizing only 22 of over 90 islands at The Red Sea and just five percent of the AMAALA site.

We enforce a 16-point code of conduct for divers, including reef-friendly sunscreen use and buoyancy control to minimize impact. We also rotate dive sites to avoid overuse, ensuring the protection of these sensitive habitats.

SkiftX: How does Red Sea Global evaluate its marine conservation initiatives?

Al-Saud: Protecting our natural environment is paramount. Before any development began, we conducted extensive Marine Spatial Planning to catalog biodiversity. This informed our decision to develop just 1 percent of the 10,810 square miles of the area, aiming for a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040.

 

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While the full impact of our efforts will be evaluated in 2040, we’re already celebrating milestones, such as transplanting one million mangrove seedlings and creating over 20 acres of new wetlands, attracting various wildlife species.

We also utilize advanced monitoring technologies to track coral health, enabling rapid identification of threats like bleaching and invasive species.

SkiftX: How does Red Sea Global educate visitors about marine conservation?

Al-Saud: Our water sports brands, WAMA and Galaxea, play crucial roles in educating visitors about marine conservation. WAMA Sailing Club offers sustainable sailing lessons, while Galaxea’s diving instructors emphasize the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.

We’re also developing a Coral Cadets program, allowing international guests and locals to collaborate with scientists and communities on coral restoration projects.

SkiftX: What future initiatives does Red Sea Global have for marine biodiversity protection and enhancing visitor experiences?

Al-Saud: As we grow—three resorts are now open at The Red Sea, with more on the way—we remain committed to innovating regenerative tourism. Plans include establishing a coral breeding lab for sustainable coral populations and creating specialized habitats for endangered species.

We’re also pioneering 3D-printed artificial reefs to foster marine biodiversity and improve underwater ecosystem health. These initiatives exemplify our commitment to advancing regenerative tourism.

Source: https://skift.com/