Monday, January 29, 2024
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), as the primary facilitator and official regulator of coastal tourism in the Red Sea, set forth several ambitious goals in 2023 following the Council of Ministers’ approval of SRSA’s statute. The objective is to establish a thriving coastal tourism sector by facilitating navigational and marine tourism activities, ultimately contributing to economic diversification in Saudi Arabia.
In a groundbreaking move, seven pioneering regulations, the first of their kind in the Kingdom, were issued and became effective on November 5. These regulations empower the issuance of essential licenses and permits to beneficiaries, ensuring an exceptional coastal tourism experience for all Red Sea visitors while prioritizing safety and sustainability. Simultaneously, the SRSA Board of Directors endorsed and implemented a new strategy consisting of six primary objectives and 24 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Concurrently, SRSA has entered into 16 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with both local and international public and private sectors, fostering collaborative partnerships. These agreements include two MoUs signed with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Yacht Club de Monaco to enhance strategic partnerships aimed at promoting coastal tourism in the Red Sea. Additionally, an agreement was established with the CORDAP Foundation, focused on the preservation and protection of coral reefs in the Red Sea.
Furthermore, SRSA has spearheaded national initiatives in collaboration with 30 public and private entities through seven subcommittees. These initiatives targeted elevating the readiness of coastal areas for tourism and activating large-scale projects. Successful outcomes include the organization, regulation, and installation of mooring buoys, waste management systems, weather stations, marine activity regulations, and improvements in the customer journey through streamlined permit acquisition processes and timelines.
SRSA collaborated with entities in the environmental ecosystem and stakeholders to oversee environmental protection, including measures for environmental security and the protection of coral reefs. Additionally, it worked with 19 government agencies to develop the first geographical navigation map of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.
In tandem, SRSA conducted 14 on-ground inspections covering Jeddah Governorate, Jazan City, and Al-Laith Governorate. These inspections were integral to the licensing process for marina operators and maritime tourism agents, providing necessary technical, administrative, and advisory support.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
