Currently, there is a significant change in the way Saudi Arabia approaches the development and promotion of its coastline. Formerly, the country was popular for religious tourism only, but now it has shifted to various objectives of tourism, such as luxury tourism, eco-tourism, and tourism that promotes culture. This shift is outlined in Vision 2030, a strategic plan to reduce the reliance on oil and boost the production of non-oil income. It is noteworthy that the coastal zones, especially those of the Red Sea, are an essential part of this vision. This article will assist you to learn about how Saudi Arabia is planning for the growth of tourism while embracing sustainability, and what it means for the future Saudi Arabia tourist experience.
The New Coastal Vision of Saudi Arabia
The coastal region in Saudi Arabia has been considered irrelevant for tourism, but now is the focus of the sustainable tourism plan.
A Strategic Shift Under Vision 2030
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now in the process of implementing Vision 2030 that defines the country’s economic development direction. Tourism is the leading driver in this process. The government targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030. The sector has significantly developed and has already made a contribution of SAR 444.3 billion in 2023, which is 11.5% of the Saudi Arabian GDP.
Originally, tourism was mainly confined to visiting places of worship. However, the scope is widening. These projects include NEOM, AlUla, the Red Sea Project and are working towards transforming Saudi Arabia into a luxury and sustainable tourism hub. The coastal and heritage-related developments contribute to the support of eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which are important for the sustenance of tourism in the future, providing a unique experience for every Saudi Arabia tourist.
The Role of the Red Sea Projects
The Red Sea Projects are one of the largest and most large-scale coastal developments in the region. Consisting of resorts, smart cities, and protected natural areas over an area of 28,000 square kilometers, this initiative is being implemented. It has features of renewable energy, green architecture, and waste management systems.
Thus, the Red Sea Project’s focus on environmental standards is to establish a new world standard. Nature conservation areas and zones for coral reef protection are incorporated into the concept of the development. The purpose is to promote tourism that is valuable and has a minimal negative impact on marine life, ensuring a sustainable experience for every Saudi Arabia tourist.
Sustainability as a Foundation for Saudi Arabia Tourist Experiences
Sustainability here is not considered as an afterthought that may be incorporated to the framework of tourism; it is incorporated at the planning stage of the tour. Thus, Saudi Arabia is ranked 15th on the list of countries that have made the most significant changes in the emission intensity in tourism. For now, the Kingdom does not suffer from high emissions that are characteristic of other fully-fledged tourist destinations.
With the increase in awareness of the effects of human activities on the environment, Saudi Arabia is embracing green energy utilization, green mobility, waste management, and green buildings. As pointed out by the UNWTO, over 70% of tourists across the globe seek destinations that have shown commitment towards environmental conservation. This puts Saudi Arabia in good stead in a competitive global marketplace.
Key Coastal Developments: AlUla and NEOM
AlUla is one of the World Heritage sites in the process of sustainable development. It has desert regions, historical monuments, as well as geographical structures such as rocks that were formed ages ago. The development plan comprises eco-resorts, the use of renewable energy, and active community participation. This helps in making tourism to benefit the people of the region and at the same time preserve the cultural heritage.
NEOM is another coastal city, which is under construction as a smart, zero-emission city. Facilities will include smart tourism, including Intelligent Transport System, Eco-Friendly accommodation and facilities, and Nature Based Tourism. The design of NEOM is based on circular economies, clean energy and green infrastructure.
Environmental Challenges and Adaptation
Environmental hazards exist in the development of tourism in Saudi Arabia. The climate models point to an average temperature increase in the Middle East of 4°C by 2050. Some of the global concerns include water shortage, increase in temperatures, and environmental degradation.
To this end, new advancements are water recycling, energy-efficient structures and structures with shading for public areas. Similarly, improvements are being made in the laws protecting nature. Such measures are aimed at maintaining the coastline aesthetically pleasing as well as inhabitable for future generations and tourists.
The Saudi Green Initiative for Saudi Arabia Tourist Sustainability
The Saudi Green Initiative was launched in 2021, and it aims to achieve green goals in all sectors, including tourism. Key targets include:
- Planting 10 billion trees
- Protecting 30% of land area
- Cutting carbon emissions by 4 million tons annually
Tourism has a direct bearing on this vision in the following ways: any development that is to take place along the coast has to adhere to the set sustainability requirements that must be considered for government support and funding. This approach ensures that the growth of the tourism sector is sustainable by considering the impact on the environment, offering a greener future for every Saudi Arabia tourist.
Global Comparisons: Learning from the Region
Other Middle Eastern countries are also following the trend of investing in sustainable tourism. Dubai has programs on eco-tourism besides having certification on green hotels. Tourism in Oman is sustainable, and the local population is involved in the development of tourism. Bahrain is to make its airport one of the greenest in the region.
Thus, Saudi Arabia’s strategy is based on scale and timing, and the country’s advantage is obvious. It is also a newer market for tourism, so it can develop sustainability from the ground up rather than trying to change old structures, offering a fresh and exciting experience for every Saudi Arabia tourist.
Community Involvement and Long-Term Goals for Saudi Arabia Tourist Growth
Sustainable tourism does not only consider the resources in nature but also people. Saudi Arabia is, therefore, training local workers, engaging the communities in the services of tourism, and retaining cultural practices. Such a model promotes economic equality and. social justice.
Each of the programs within the coastal towns seeks to create employment opportunities for women and the youth. Tourist guides, hospitality staff, and craftsmen are being prepared for an increasing number of visitors. These efforts assist in developing a sustainable model of tourism that will rejuvenate the country’s economy.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia coast development is one of the major strategies used by the country in the development of tourism. The Kingdom is aspiring to achieve sustainable growth through development projects such as the Red Sea Projects and NEOM, and the Saudi Green Initiative. The coast was previously not well developed, and now it is at the core of a sustainable plan for the development of long-term tourism that will attract international visitors.
