Red Sea Global, SCHF Partner for Adventure Tourism

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced a partnership with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) to boost adventure tourism across the Red Sea region. The collaboration, revealed on July 17, 2024, in Tabuk, aims to elevate guest experiences and establish the Kingdom as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Context and Background

The partnership is activated through Akun, RSG’s adventure sports brand responsible for hiking, climbing, and adventure experiences across its destinations. The Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation is the national governing body for rock climbing and mountaineering in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and promote tourism. By combining RSG’s luxury tourism expertise with SCHF’s technical knowledge, the partnership seeks to create world-class adventure offerings while ensuring safety and sustainability.

Key Details

Under the agreement, SCHF trainees will gain real-world experience through work placements and internships with Akun. In return, SCHF will provide qualified trainers for temporary support and permanent recruitment. Nicholas King, Group Chief Development Officer at Red Sea Global, 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.”

Yasmin Gahtani, Managing Director at SCHF, added: “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.”

The collaboration will feature local, regional, and international events such as climbing competitions, hiking events, and festivals, highlighting the Red Sea’s natural beauty and providing economic opportunities for local communities. SCHF will also offer technical and safety assessments to validate new RSG assets, ensuring they meet international standards. Additionally, RSG and SCHF are exploring the development of hiking and climbing content, including trail information, climbing sites, logistics, and safety guidelines, to position the Red Sea as a premier hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

Implications and Impact

This partnership is set to significantly impact adventure tourism in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. By attracting thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, it will enhance the Red Sea’s appeal as a global destination. The collaboration also supports local communities by creating jobs and business opportunities, while promoting sustainable practices. With The Red Sea already welcoming guests and expanding its flight connectivity, the destination is poised to become a major player in the global adventure tourism market.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative strongly aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, increase tourism’s contribution to GDP, and create employment opportunities for Saudis. By developing adventure tourism, RSG and SCHF are contributing to the Kingdom’s goals of becoming a top global tourist destination and fostering a vibrant society. The partnership underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and world-class experiences, further solidifying its position as a leader in regenerative tourism.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the partnership between Red Sea Global and the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation?

A1. Red Sea Global (RSG) and the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) have partnered to develop adventure tourism across the Red Sea region, focusing on hiking, climbing, and outdoor experiences to enhance guest offerings and promote the Kingdom as a premier adventure destination.

Q2. When was this partnership announced?

A2. The partnership was announced on July 17, 2024, in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to boost adventure tourism in the Red Sea region.

Q3. What is Akun’s role in this partnership?

A3. Akun is RSG’s adventure sports brand responsible for all hiking, climbing, and adventure experiences across RSG’s destinations. It will activate the partnership by offering exhilarating experiences and training pathways for guides.

Q4. Who is Nicholas King and what did he say about the partnership?

A4. Nicholas King is the Group Chief Development Officer at Red Sea Global. He stated that modern luxury tourism includes adventure, and the partnership ensures Akun offers invigorating yet safe experiences, propelling adventure tourism in the Red Sea region.

Q5. Who is Yasmin Gahtani and what is her vision for the partnership?

A5. Yasmin Gahtani is the Managing Director at SCHF. She envisions making Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea a must-visit destination for climbers, hikers, and thrill-seekers by opening its stunning landscapes to safe and exhilarating experiences.

Q6. What is the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation?

A6. The Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) is the national governing body for rock climbing and mountaineering in Saudi Arabia, responsible for promoting and regulating these activities and providing training and certification.

Q7. How will SCHF trainees benefit from this partnership?

A7. SCHF trainees will gain real-world experience through work placements and internships with Akun, applying their skills in actual adventure tourism settings and enhancing their professional development.

Q8. What will SCHF provide to RSG as part of the collaboration?

A8. SCHF will provide qualified trainers for temporary training support and permanent recruitment, ensuring that Akun’s adventure experiences are conducted safely and professionally.

Q9. What types of events will be organized through this partnership?

A9. The partnership will feature climbing competitions, hiking events, and festivals at local, regional, and international levels, showcasing the Red Sea’s natural beauty and providing exposure for local communities and businesses.

Q10. How will safety be ensured in the adventure activities?

A10. SCHF will offer technical and safety assessment services to validate new assets developed by RSG, ensuring they meet international safety and sustainability standards for world-class adventure destinations.

Q11. What content development is planned for the Red Sea region?

A11. RSG and SCHF are exploring the creation of hiking and climbing content, including trail information, climbing sites, logistics, and safety guidelines, to position the Red Sea as a premier hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

Q12. How does this partnership benefit local communities?

A12. The collaboration provides exposure and business opportunities for local communities through events and increased tourism, creating jobs and supporting the local economy while promoting sustainable practices.

Q13. What is the current status of The Red Sea destination?

A13. The Red Sea welcomed its first guests last year, with three hotels now open. It receives domestic flights since September 2023 and international flights since April 2024, including a twice-weekly route to Dubai.

Q14. What will The Red Sea comprise upon full completion?

A14. Upon full completion in 2030, The Red Sea will feature 50 resorts, up to 8,000 hotel rooms, over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites, plus luxury marinas, golf courses, and entertainment facilities.

Q15. How does this partnership align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A15. It aligns with Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, boosting tourism’s GDP contribution, creating jobs, and establishing Saudi Arabia as a top global destination for adventure and regenerative tourism.

Q16. What makes the Red Sea region ideal for adventure tourism?

A16. The Red Sea coast boasts stunning landscapes, dramatic terrain, and natural beauty, making it ideal for climbing, hiking, and other outdoor activities that attract thrill-seekers and nature lovers worldwide.

Q17. How will the partnership promote Saudi Arabia internationally?

A17. Through international events and media exposure, the partnership will showcase Saudi Arabia’s adventure offerings to global audiences, attracting tourists and positioning the Kingdom as a premier adventure destination.

Q18. What economic impact is expected from this collaboration?

A18. The collaboration is expected to boost adventure tourism, create jobs, support local businesses, and contribute to economic diversification, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s goals to increase tourism’s economic role.

Q19. What sustainable practices are involved in the adventure experiences?

A19. SCHF’s safety and sustainability assessments ensure that new assets meet international standards, promoting environmentally responsible and sustainable adventure tourism in the Red Sea region.

Q20. What future developments can be expected from this partnership?

A20. Future developments include expanded adventure offerings, more events, potential new trails and climbing sites, and enhanced training programs, further establishing the Red Sea as a global hub for outdoor adventure.

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