Saudi Arabia’s flagship tourism project, the Red Sea, has gained recognition as the Kingdom’s first site to earn the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations certification, underscoring its drive towards becoming a leader in regenerative tourism globally.

The accolade, granted by one of the most reputable environmental certification organizations, evaluates the entire ecosystem of the destination - including infrastructure, operations, community engagement, and conservation efforts - rather than focusing on individual hotels or projects. Consequently, the Red Sea now joins a select group of global destinations that meet rigorous, scientifically-based sustainability standards.

A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability

This certification reflects Red Sea Global’s (RSG) commitment to embedding sustainability in every phase of development. Independent auditors evaluated the destination’s environmental, social, and economic performance, confirming that sustainability is a core principle guiding the initiative. Commenting on this achievement, Raed Albasseet stated, “The EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations programme is globally recognized for its rigorous, science-based process. Securing this certification represents our commitment to setting new benchmarks globally and confirms our progress towards making a meaningful impact on both people and the planet.”

EarthCheck’s assessment highlighted numerous areas where the Red Sea surpassed best-practice standards worldwide, including energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, the Red Sea aims to operate entirely on renewable energy around the clock — a world first of this nature. The certification also recognized outstanding conservation practices and significant reductions in waste sent to landfills.

Moving Beyond Sustainability: Embracing a Regenerative Model

The certification results illustrated broader initiatives implemented to ensure real social impact. Programs like the English for Tourism initiative are equipping local populations with skills essential for employment in the tourism sector, while the Jewar app serves as a platform for community engagement, providing access to opportunities, information, and feedback channels. These initiatives signify RSG’s vision of establishing the Red Sea as a regenerative tourism destination where development benefits both the environment and community welfare.

Stewart Moore remarked, “RSG is viewed as a trailblazer in regenerative tourism. Our audit of the Red Sea destination clearly illustrated this commitment in action. We were particularly excited by the range of initiatives that greatly exceed compliance requirements — such as the rescue efforts for marine turtles in the Red Sea and robust, practical support for economic advancement in local communities. Achieving the status of the world’s largest destination powered by renewable energy is also an impressive feat. Collectively, these efforts make the Red Sea a remarkable example within EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program.” As Saudi Arabia fast-tracks its tourism initiatives under Vision 2030, this certification reinforces the nation’s ambition to stand out as a swiftly emerging, sustainable tourism leader on the global stage.