Katch Up on How the Red Sea Project Is Redefining Sustainable Luxury Tourism

1st May, 2025 | Communication, Hospitality, Marketing

by - Beth Laverty

Set for completion in 2030, this first-of-its-kind regenerative tourism destination is turning conventional luxury travel on its head, creating a sanctuary where world-class hospitality and sustainability live together in perfect harmony

Those in the know have most certainly heard plenty about the Kingdom’s upcoming Red Sea Project (unless you’ve been living under a rock). It’s generating an immense amount of buzz both here in Saudi Arabia and internationally, and for good reason. Beyond its ultra-luxury resorts and hotels, stunning coastal landscapes, and the power to significantly boost the Kingdom’s economy and global tourism, this development also has the potential to completely reimagine the future of hospitality. The project places us on the verge of a new era of luxury travel, one that prioritises people as much as the planet.

Red Sea Project 101

If you have in fact been living under a rock, or you need to jog your memory, let’s do a quick run-through of everything you need to know about the Red Sea Project. First announced in 2017 by Crown Prince, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the project is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Set along the Kingdom’s west coast, this megaproject covers a staggering 28,000 km², made up of more than 90 islands, coral reefs, volcanoes, mangroves, and sweeping desert landscapes.

Given its sheer scale, the project has been divided into two stages, with phase one already completed, delivering 16 luxury hotels, two inland resorts, a brand-new airport, and the infrastructure to welcome 300,000 visitors. Phase two is already in motion, with plans for around 50 hotels, over 1,000 residences, marinas, golf courses, and all kinds of entertainment and wellness spaces. Designed to set a new global standard for sustainable luxury, the project is also expected to generate 70,000 jobs and help reshape Saudi Arabia’s tourism economy.

Why Modern Travel Needs a Makeover

We love a boujee trip away as much as the next person, but there is no denying the negative impact tourism has on the planet. Even before arriving at your destination, the damage has already been done, with air travel accounting for a good chunk of global carbon emissions. Tourism as a whole is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, now accounting for nearly 9% of the global total.

While hospitality can breathe new life into a destination, it can also place the environment, infrastructure, and resources under immense pressure. Venice now sees more tourists than locals squeezing through its canals, while golf courses in dry regions like Santorini guzzle up water that local communities could really use. Even iconic spots like Mount Everest are showing signs of strain, with leftover plastic and oxygen cylinders turning it into a high-altitude dumping ground.

The good news is that, when managed responsibly, tourism can actually help minimise harm and protect the very places people travel to see. With more people vacationing than ever and tourism being one of the most powerful global economic sectors, a little effort from every resort and guest could make a big difference. We don’t need to give up luxury staycations or trips abroad, we just need to be more mindful and travel smarter.

How the Red Sea Project is Championing Sustainability

The upcoming Red Sea Project is a prime example of sustainable development and tourism done right, and it’s already inspiring the rest of the world to do better. With a 30% net conservation goal by 2040 and a pledge to use 100% renewable energy, the project will actively protect and enhance key habitats, all with the help of the latest technology.

The first obvious challenge is maintaining a thriving ecosystem in Saudi Arabia’s tough desert climate. The developers have already thought it through, utilising naturally constructed wetlands to treat wastewater sustainably while creating vital habitats. This treated water will then be reused for irrigation, helping to turn the desert landscape green.

As for the native wildlife, Red Sea Global conducted a study to better understand the surrounding environment, which identified 11 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) across 120 terrestrial sites along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, home to 196 flora and 375 fauna species. To protect the area’s unique wildlife, the upcoming EPR Turtle Recovery Centre at Turtle Bay is on hand to rescue and rehabilitate marine life, including endangered hawksbill turtles, while doubling up as a research and education hub. On top of that, a dedicated mangrove nursery is hard at work planting and restoring around 50 million mangroves, boosting habitats, fighting coastal erosion, and soaking up carbon.

As for energy efficiency, Red Sea Global has already made headlines as the largest portfolio of LEED Homes buildings in Saudi Arabia. The regenerative destination achieved the platinum certification for its collection of villas and townhouses at Turtle Bay, a residential and commercial area housing workers, employees, and management. Set to house 14,000 residents, the community’s offices, residential apartments, and hotels were built using off-site modular construction techniques to reduce the number of construction workers on site and minimise environmental impact.

As the excitement builds ahead of its completion, the Red Sea Global project is already setting a shining example of luxury sustainable development. No stone has been left unturned, and Saudi Arabia’s flair for innovation has helped the Red Sea Project dream up some seriously clever ways to keep things green. It’s not just about preserving the region’s natural beauty but helping it thrive, making sure future generations get to soak it all in too.

Safe to say, the future of travel is looking a lot more sustainable and a whole lot more vibrant.

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