Red Sea Global And Saudi Climbing Federation Team Up For Adventure Tourism

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, has partnered with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) to enhance adventure tourism in the Red Sea region. This collaboration will be facilitated through Akun, RSG’s adventure sports brand, which oversees all hiking, climbing, and adventure activities at RSG's destinations.

The partnership aims to elevate guest experiences at The Red Sea while providing training and certification for climbing and hiking guides. Nicholas King, Group Chief Development Officer at RSG, stated, "Modern luxury tourism is as much about adventure as it is about comfort. Our partnership with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation is ensuring that Akun can offer invigorating experiences that complement the elegance of our resorts in a safe and professional manner. Together, we are propelling the adventure tourism industry across the Red Sea region."

SCHF serves as the national authority for rock climbing and mountaineering in Saudi Arabia. Through this collaboration, SCHF trainees will gain practical experience via work placements and internships with Akun. In return, SCHF will provide qualified trainers for temporary support and permanent recruitment.

Yasmin Gahtani, Managing Director at SCHF, remarked: "Saudi Arabia has some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, especially along the Red Sea coast. We want to help Saudis and the world discover this dramatic terrain by opening it to exhilarating, yet safe, climbing and hiking experiences. Through this partnership, we can make Saudi and the Red Sea a must-visit destination for the most avid climbers, hikers and thrill-seekers."

This collaboration will activate RSG’s destinations through various local, regional, and international events. Climbing competitions, hiking events, and festivals will showcase the natural beauty of the Red Sea region to both domestic and global audiences. These events will also provide business opportunities for local communities.

SCHF will offer technical assessments to ensure new assets developed by RSG meet international safety standards. This expertise is crucial for certifying RSG's developments as top-tier adventure destinations.

Developing Resources

RSG and SCHF are also considering creating hiking and climbing content specific to the Red Sea region. This resource could include information on trails, climbing sites, logistics, and safety guidelines. Such content would position the Red Sea region as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

The Red Sea welcomed its first guests last year. Three hotels are now open with regular domestic flights since September 2023. International flights began in April 2024 with a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International.

By 2030, The Red Sea destination aims to feature 50 resorts with up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The development will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment venues, dining options (F&B), and leisure facilities.

This partnership between RSG and SCHF marks a significant step towards making Saudi Arabia a leading destination for adventure tourism while supporting local communities through various initiatives.

With inputs from SPA