Red Sea Global eyes expansion into Italy in first venture beyond Saudi Arabia

 

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global plans to launch first international project in Italy  

Red Sea Global (RSG), the Saudi developer backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is set to take its sustainable tourism model overseas, with plans to launch its first international project in Italy, CEO John Pagano revealed in an interview with Reuters at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi.

“Our ambitions go beyond the Saudi Arabian market,” Pagano said. “Travelers today want meaningful, sustainable experiences—destinations that live in harmony with nature, protect the environment, and celebrate biodiversity. That’s what makes them truly special.”

 

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The planned project in Italy will align with RSG’s core philosophy of regenerative tourism, integrating luxury hospitality with environmental conservation and community engagement.

At home, the company continues to accelerate progress on its flagship projects. Pagano confirmed that 17 new resorts within The Red Sea Destination will open by May 2026, adding to the growing portfolio of properties across the country’s western coast.

RSG announced in September 2025 that the first resorts and attractions on Shura Island would begin welcoming guests within weeks. The milestone follows the launch of the first phase of The Red Sea destination in October 2023, which marked the start of international tourist arrivals.

Once completed in 2030, the Red Sea project will feature 50 resorts and hotels, delivering 8,000 rooms and 1,300 residential units across 22 islands and six inland locations. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, and a range of leisure and entertainment facilities—all designed around sustainability and minimal environmental impact.

 

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Pagano’s comments signal RSG’s intent to position itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism, exporting the success of its Saudi ventures to international markets—starting with Europe.

Source: Reuters