World Tourism Day: A Saudi vision for sustainable development

On World Tourism Day, we at Red Sea Global celebrate the pivotal role tourism plays in fostering connections between people and building bridges between nations and cultures. We believe that tourism is a powerful force for peace, capable of breaking down barriers and changing perceptions. It opens new horizons for learning and cultural exchange, allowing people from all over the world to get to know each other better, and appreciate the beauty of human diversity.

In Saudi Arabia, we take pride in our concept of Hafawa, which embodies the spirit of authentic Saudi hospitality. It means going the extra mile to make every guest feel welcome and at home. This exceptional hospitality, which our visitors experience from the moment they arrive, plays a pivotal role in building bridges of communication and changing perceptions. It leaves a lasting impression on their hearts and minds making them ambassadors for our country and culture around the world, carrying with them genuine and unforgettable memories of our authentic Saudi hospitality.

Here comes the role of our leading destinations, The Red Sea, AMAALA, and the exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat. Each embodying our vision of attracting guests from all corners of the world to share with them the beauty of our Saudi culture, in its rich diversity, and long history. We offer our visitors carefully designed tourism programs to cater to their unique interests and preferences, whether they are from India, China, Europe, North America, or anywhere else in the world. Because we believe that every guest is an opportunity to discover our land and culture from a new perspective, and likewise, it’s also an opportunity for us to share our country's stories with the world, and highlight its hidden natural, cultural, and historical treasures.

To lead this promising and vital sector, we committed ourselves from the get-go to training and developing Saudi youth to be the leaders and the future of the tourism sector. This in return ensures the sustainability and prosperity of this vital sector in the Kingdom, as we believe that our youth are the leaders of the future. Therefore, we empower them and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their aspirations and build a bright future for their country, and lead the sustainable tourism sector towards new horizons of success and excellence.

At Red Sea Global, we strive to establish the concept of regenerative tourism, which ensures a more sustainable future for our natural environment and local communities. We are developing tourism projects that meet the highest standards of environmental and social sustainability, and contribute to achieving comprehensive sustainable development while preserving the natural environment, protecting biodiversity, and empowering local communities to participate in the tourism development process and benefit from its economic and social returns.

Because we believe in sustainable development, we recognize the importance of supporting local communities and involving them in the tourism development process. Therefore, we seek to introduce our visitors to the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, by providing an authentic and enriching experiences, such as traditional Saudi cuisine, Sadu weaving, building and restoring traditional boats, and Saudi folk dances, among other experiences that reflect the spirit, culture, and long history of our beloved Kingdom. We believe that preserving our cultural heritage is an essential part of our identity, and we are committed to passing it on to future generations and sharing it with the world, fostering a sense of pride and belonging to our national heritage.

On World Tourism Day 2024, we are reaffirming our commitment to enhancing the role of tourism in building bridges of peace and respect among nations and in achieving sustainable development for communities. We pledge to continue working on achieving these goals through our leading tourism projects and our efforts to empower our beloved Saudi youth, promote regenerative tourism, and support local communities. Together, we can make tourism a positive catalyst for change, and a driving force for building a better future for all; A future where cultural diversity and mutual understanding flourish, where local communities grow sustainably, and where the natural environment thrives.