How the Saudi Red Sea Authority is Pioneering Sustainable Luxury Tourism on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast

Published on January 7, 2025

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has achieved significant milestones in reshaping coastal tourism throughout 2024, emphasizing its dedication to enriching tourist experiences while fostering a vibrant investment landscape. By granting 28 licenses across diverse sectors—maritime tourism agents, marina operators, yacht charters, and cruise operators—SRSA is spearheading the development of a sustainable and world-class tourism hub in the Red Sea region.

Pioneering a Regulatory Framework for Coastal Tourism

In an innovative move, SRSA launched Saudi Arabia’s first regulatory framework for yacht operations. These detailed guidelines ensure the safe and sustainable use of yachts within the Red Sea, reinforcing SRSA’s role as a legislative leader in the sector. This framework promotes safety, professionalism, and environmental stewardship, laying a robust foundation for the Kingdom’s burgeoning coastal tourism industry.

Driving Licensing and Infrastructure Excellence

SRSA’s licensing strategy has been central to its efforts to strengthen coastal tourism. In 2024, the Authority issued:

• Licenses for eight maritime tourism agents and nine marina operators.
• Approvals for three yacht charter companies and one marina construction project.
• Licenses for a leisure and tourism cruise ship operator, a cruise itinerary, and five technical operations in leisure and tourism.

To further enhance the region’s infrastructure, SRSA introduced four industry-specific codes aimed at elevating standards for marinas and cruise terminals:

1. Marina Planning and Design Code
2. Cruise Terminal Planning and Design Code
3. Marina Operations Code
4. Cruise Terminal Operations Code

These guidelines ensure that facilities meet global standards, delivering seamless operations and exceptional visitor experiences.

Fostering Global Partnerships and Investment

SRSA showcased Saudi Arabia’s coastal tourism potential by participating in over 25 regional and international exhibitions, conferences, and events. Collaborating with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, the Authority published 15 nautical charts, providing crucial data to support maritime navigation and tourism.

Throughout the year, SRSA solidified partnerships by signing 16 agreements and memorandums of understanding with various organizations. These collaborations aim to strengthen the coastal tourism ecosystem, promote sustainability, and protect marine biodiversity.

Developing National Talent

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, SRSA introduced a specialized coastal tourism excellence program, training over 1,000 Saudis for careers in luxury resorts, travel agencies, and other critical sectors. This initiative raises service standards and equips local talent with essential skills. Additionally, a groundbreaking agreement with the Insurance Authority resulted in Saudi Arabia’s first insurance product tailored for coastal tourism activities, enhancing safety and security across the sector.

Recognition for Outstanding Achievements

SRSA’s efforts in 2024 earned global acclaim, securing seven prestigious awards, including:

• Recognition for its Application of Nautical Charts for Coastal Tourism Destinations.
• Three Saudi Customer Experience Awards for Digital Transformation.
• Japan Tourism Award for Sustainable Tourism under the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

These accolades highlight SRSA’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer service.

A Vision for the Future

SRSA is poised to drive continued growth by creating job opportunities, attracting investments, and preserving the marine environment for future generations. Its holistic approach—combining talent development, infrastructure modernization, and regulatory excellence—sets a global benchmark for coastal tourism. Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region is now positioned as a premier international destination, embodying sustainability and luxury tourism at its finest.