Red Sea Global Takes Bold Step into International Luxury Hospitality with Italy Resort

Published on October 23, 2025

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), luxury resort developer Red Sea Global (RSG) has officially begun working abroad on a luxury hospitality project in Italy which will serve as their first overseas endeavour. With RSG’s projects along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast being a success, RSG, through this new project, hopes to provide a luxury experience to the international audience.

Strategic Global Expansion

The company’s CEO, John Pagano, revealed plans for the Italian project during a recent interview at the Reuters NEXT Gulf summit in Abu Dhabi. He emphasized that this move represents RSG’s ambition to extend its reach beyond Saudi Arabia. The luxury resort developer has already established a significant presence in the kingdom, with a track record of successful luxury resorts. The Italy project is a natural extension of the company’s model, reflecting its success in Saudi Arabia.

RSG’s Success in Saudi Arabia

Red Sea Global has rapidly expanded within Saudi Arabia, developing luxury resorts that align with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030. This initiative aims to shift the country’s economy from oil dependence to a more diversified and sustainable model, with a strong focus on tourism. RSG has already opened several luxury resorts in the Red Sea region, and more are on the way. With plans to open 17 new resorts by May 2026, RSG’s growth trajectory is impressive, and the Italian expansion is a step towards securing a place on the global tourism map.

Joining NEOM’s Board

Pagano also mentioned his upcoming role on the board of Saudi Arabia’s mega-project, NEOM. The city, planned to span nearly the size of Belgium, has faced delays and scaling back as the country shifts its focus towards other high-profile projects like the 2034 World Cup. Pagano’s appointment is expected to bring fresh insights to the NEOM project, which has the potential to redefine urban living. His experience at the helm of RSG positions him well to guide these large-scale ventures to success.

A Unique Approach to Luxury Hospitality

RSG is known for its hands-on approach, managing nearly every aspect of its projects, including procurement, material selection, and contractor management. By handling these elements in-house, RSG ensures a level of quality and consistency that many larger companies outsource. This strategy is crucial for delivering a bespoke, luxury experience that appeals to high-end travelers. The company prioritizes sustainability, with a focus on protecting the environment and preserving natural beauty. RSG’s resorts are built with eco-consciousness in mind, aiming to create destinations that align with travelers’ increasing demand for sustainable tourism.

Sustainable Luxury for the Modern Traveler

The luxury tourism market is evolving, with travelers seeking more than just opulence. There is a growing demand for destinations that offer unique experiences while preserving nature. RSG has embraced this shift by developing resorts that not only offer luxury accommodations but also immerse guests in nature-rich environments like Saudi Arabia’s rugged mountains and vast deserts. This philosophy will extend to RSG’s new project in Italy, ensuring that it remains both environmentally responsible and exclusive.

Italy Project: A New Chapter for RSG

RSG’s venture into Italy will likely be selective and tailored to a specific niche within the luxury tourism market. The company plans to focus on creating a project that reflects its core values of sustainability, exclusivity, and top-tier quality. While details of the Italian resort remain under wraps, Pagano emphasized that it would complement RSG’s existing portfolio and fit into the company’s broader vision for global expansion.

What This Means for Travelers

A traveler would find it appealing that Red Sea Global now has international operations. This brand has thoughtful and distinctive services which capture the market of luxury travel. Red Sea Global has unique hotels that incorporate comfort, nature and latest technology which appeal to modern travelers. From the increasing number of tourists, it is clear that the company will add more environmentally friendly destinations to its portfolio.

The expansion of RSG into Italy is a good indicator of the company’s growth and it’s contribution to the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. RSG’s expansion into Italy is a clear indicator of RSG’s ambition to operate in the international hospitality market. The company, Red Sea Global, is determined to operate high standard resorts which will yield sustainable luxury.

image source: Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano linkedin