Saudi Red Sea Authority Launches ‘More Than a Sea’ Campaign

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched a new campaign titled “More Than a Sea,” aimed at highlighting its multifaceted role in developing a thriving coastal tourism sector along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Announced on September 3, 2024, from Jeddah, the campaign is built around four main pillars: regulations, sustainability, attracting investments, and promoting tourism experiences.

Context and Background

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) is the government entity responsible for regulating and developing coastal tourism in the Kingdom. The “More Than a Sea” campaign underscores SRSA’s commitment to positioning the Red Sea as a premier global destination. With an 1,800 km coastline, over 1,000 islands, and more than 150 beaches, the region offers immense potential for tourism growth. The campaign aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to diversify the economy away from oil by expanding non-oil sectors such as tourism.

Key Details

The campaign focuses on four pillars. First, SRSA’s regulatory role includes setting policies, strategies, and plans for navigational and marine tourism activities, issuing licenses and permits, and preparing infrastructure. To date, SRSA has issued seven regulations in collaboration with relevant entities to govern coastal tourism. Second, sustainability efforts involve protecting the marine environment, fostering the blue economy, producing nautical maps to protect coral reefs, managing marine waste, installing mooring buoys, and establishing weather monitoring stations. Third, attracting investment is a priority, given the Red Sea’s unique features: a population of around 7 million people, diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures, and valuable marine treasures. Fourth, the campaign promotes tourism experiences such as cruise ships, yachts, diving, snorkelling, recreational fishing, and beach activities.

International Impact

The Red Sea’s natural and cultural richness—including over 20 blue holes, more than 500 diving sites, and 130 cultural, historical, and biological assets—positions it as a competitive destination for international travelers. By developing this sector, Saudi Arabia aims to attract global tourists and investors, contributing to regional economic growth and positioning the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable coastal tourism. The campaign also supports the preservation of the Red Sea’s pristine environment, which is vital for global marine biodiversity.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, SRSA aims for the coastal tourism sector to contribute SAR85 billion to the GDP by 2030, increase spending to SAR123 billion, and create 210,000 jobs. These goals are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil, while enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents. The “More Than a Sea” campaign exemplifies how Saudi Arabia is leveraging its natural assets to build a sustainable and prosperous future.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the name of the campaign launched by the Saudi Red Sea Authority?

A1. The campaign is called “More Than a Sea.” It was launched on September 3, 2024, to highlight SRSA’s role in developing coastal tourism along the Red Sea.

Q2. What are the four main pillars of the “More Than a Sea” campaign?

A2. The four pillars are regulations, sustainability, attracting investments, and promoting tourism experiences. These pillars reflect SRSA’s comprehensive approach to building a thriving coastal tourism sector.

Q3. What does SRSA’s regulatory role involve?

A3. SRSA sets policies, strategies, plans, and programs for navigational and marine tourism. It issues licenses and permits and prepares infrastructure. It has also issued seven regulations in collaboration with relevant entities.

Q4. How does SRSA promote sustainability in the Red Sea?

A4. SRSA leads efforts to protect the marine environment, fosters the blue economy, produces nautical maps, manages marine waste, installs mooring buoys, and establishes weather monitoring stations, all in collaboration with public and private sectors.

Q5. What investment opportunities does the Red Sea offer?

A5. The Red Sea offers a promising investment environment with a population of around 7 million, an 1,800 km coastline, diverse landscapes, climates, cultures, and valuable marine treasures, making it attractive for investors.

Q6. What tourism activities are highlighted in the campaign?

A6. The campaign highlights cruise ships, yachts, diving, snorkelling, recreational fishing, recreational boats, and beach activities. It encourages tourists to explore the unique coastal experience of the Red Sea.

Q7. How many regulations has SRSA issued for coastal tourism?

A7. SRSA has issued seven regulations in collaboration with relevant entities. These regulations govern navigational and marine tourism activities, licensing, and infrastructure preparation.

Q8. What are some key features of the Red Sea coast?

A8. The Red Sea coast features over 150 beaches, over 1,000 islands, and 130 cultural, historical, and biological assets. It also has over 20 blue holes and more than 500 diving sites.

Q9. What is the expected economic contribution of the coastal tourism sector by 2030?

A9. SRSA aims for the coastal tourism sector to contribute SAR85 billion to the GDP by 2030, increase spending to SAR123 billion, and create 210,000 jobs.

Q10. How does the campaign align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. The campaign supports Vision 2030’s goal to diversify income sources, reduce oil dependence, and enhance quality of life. It aims to boost non-oil GDP through sustainable tourism development.

Q11. What is SRSA doing to protect coral reefs?

A11. SRSA contributes to the production of nautical maps that define safe routes and protect coral reefs. It also manages marine waste and installs mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage.

Q12. How does SRSA attract investment in the Red Sea?

A12. SRSA promotes the Red Sea’s unique features, such as its diverse landscapes, cultures, and marine treasures, to attract investors. It also facilitates a promising investment environment with supportive regulations.

Q13. What is the blue economy, and how does SRSA foster it?

A13. The blue economy refers to sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. SRSA fosters it by protecting the marine environment, promoting sustainable tourism, and supporting related industries.

Q14. What cultural and heritage assets does the Red Sea offer?

A14. The Red Sea region boasts 130 cultural, historical, and biological assets, over 50 traditional dishes, and diverse traditions, customs, architecture, and clothing, enriching the visitor experience.

Q15. What are the benefits of the “More Than a Sea” campaign for local communities?

A15. The campaign aims to create 210,000 jobs and increase tourism spending, benefiting local communities through economic opportunities, infrastructure development, and enhanced quality of life.

Q16. How does SRSA ensure safe navigation in the Red Sea?

A16. SRSA produces nautical maps that define safe routes, installs mooring buoys, and establishes weather monitoring stations. It also issues licenses and permits for marine activities.

Q17. What role does SRSA play in promoting cruise tourism?

A17. SRSA regulates and promotes cruise tourism by issuing licenses, preparing infrastructure, and marketing the Red Sea as a premier cruise destination with unique experiences.

Q18. How many diving sites are there in the Red Sea?

A18. The Red Sea has over 500 diving sites. It also features more than 20 blue holes, making it a top destination for divers and marine enthusiasts.

Q19. What is SRSA’s vision for the Red Sea by 2030?

A19. SRSA envisions a thriving coastal tourism sector contributing SAR85 billion to GDP, generating SAR123 billion in spending, and creating 210,000 jobs, while preserving the environment.

Q20. How can tourists learn more about the “More Than a Sea” campaign?

A20. Tourists can follow SRSA’s official channels and visit the Red Sea to experience its offerings. The campaign encourages exploration of the region’s unique coastal activities and natural beauty.

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