Why Regenerative Tourism Goes Beyond Environmental Sustainability

How Local Communities Shape Regenerative Tourism

Investing in local communities isn’t a CSR checkbox. It’s a business model that recognizes the interconnectedness of our diverse human ecosystem. An economically stable and culturally vibrant community acts as a natural guardian of its surroundings, closing the loop in a holistic approach to regeneration.

So, how does this holistic approach translate into action? One example is RSG’s Amerah Souq, a marketplace that offers a platform for local farmers, craftsmen, and artists to sell fresh produce, locally crafted merchandise, and authentic handicrafts. The Souq also celebrates local culture through traditional musical performances and cultural heritage workshops in the “Tent of Tales” — a series of community seminars focused on themes like textiles, traditional sailboat building, and net weaving.

The company has also taken steps to deepen its ties with the local farming community by supporting the establishment of The Red Sea Farm Cooperative, or TAMALA. This initiative allows farmers to sell their produce directly to resorts and introduce them to new, sustainable farming technologies and methods. These methods support safeguarding the environment by saving water and energy while improving the produce quality. TAMALA works with more than 3,000 farms in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk region to help improve local agriculture.

On the educational front, the English for Tourism program is working to equip locals with the language skills they need for roles in the growing tourism sector. The program supports Saudi nationals from Umluj, Alwajh, Duba, and other surrounding villages. The company has also partnered with the University of Prince Mugrin to provide 170 undergraduate scholarships in International Hospitality Management, while its Red Sea Vocational Training Program, a 21-month course in the fields of hospitality, airport services, and technical services, has already granted diplomas to 430 students.

Other initiatives include a Marine Operation Jobs program, which focuses on training and hiring local maritime technicians like boat captains and logistics coordinators, and a Nursery Training Jobs program to modernize the skill set of local farmers, prepping them for specialized work in landscape nurseries. Looking ahead, the company plans to support entrepreneurship and enhance educational opportunities for local youth.

The Long-term Outlook

Saudi Arabia has long been a destination for religious tourism, but its broader leisure tourism sector is still in its infancy. RSG aims to help grow the industry’s contribution to the national GDP from 3 percent to 10 percent by 2030, a goal that demands large-scale recruitment and infrastructure development.

For all the potential benefits, the real measure of success will be how these ventures stand the test of time. RSG uses a monitoring and evaluation framework that measures key metrics such as local job creation, revenue channeled into local businesses, and cultural heritage safeguarding efforts to track long-term impact. The company also conducts regular impact assessments to validate the effectiveness of the initiatives and pinpoint areas that require improvement. This data-driven approach guides its decision-making processes.

While RSG’s projects promise economic vitality and job growth, their success isn’t without challenges. An influx of tourists is a double-edged sword — it can revive local economies but also puts pressure on local infrastructures. This dichotomy is where regenerative tourism comes into play, attempting to balance both sides of the coin.

As this shift gains momentum, it calls for a recalibration of objectives. The path forward isn’t just about attracting more visitors — it’s about redefining what successful tourism looks like. According to Skift’s State of Travel 2023 report, the majority of travelers today are seeking and choosing sustainable travel options. The demand for regenerative tourism will likely grow as people continue to prioritize responsible travel. Companies that combine economic objectives with ecological and social imperatives are better positioned to thrive in this new travel landscape.

Shawoosh said, “Red Sea Global will remain at the forefront of this evolution, continually innovating and setting new benchmarks for sustainable and responsible tourism. We hope to motivate and inspire others to join us in setting new, more sustainable standards for tourism and creating a legacy that benefits future generations.”

For more information about Red Sea Global, visit redseaglobal.com.

This content was created collaboratively by Red Sea and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.