In our Leisure Insight feature this month, Dr Maryam Ali Ficociello, Group Chief Governance Officer at Red Sea Global highlights the importance of regenerative tourism and its pivotal nature in the current landscape.
The tourism industry today stands at a crossroads. While it contributes significantly to the global economy and provides livelihoods for millions, paradoxically, its impact on the environment and local communities is often detrimental. The traditional model of tourism development – focused on maximising visitor numbers and profits – has led to overtourism, habitat destruction and exploitative cultural commodification. Between January – September 2024, an estimated 1.1 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded – 11 per cent more than in the same period of 2023.
Regenerative tourism, a model that goes beyond sustainability to actively restore and enhance the local environment in which a tourism destination operates, must now become the industry’s top priority. A regenerative model offers a pathway to address climate challenges, by creating a positive feedback loop between the tourism sector, the environment, as well as local communities. At Red Sea Global (RSG), a leading responsible developer and operator of regenerative tourism destinations located on the Red Sea coastline in Saudi Arabia, we believe this is not just a moral duty or a temporary fad to entice new generations of eco-conscious travellers, but a necessary evolution for our whole industry.
Upon completion of our two flagship destinations, The Red Sea (already operational) and AMAALA (set to open later this year), we will have a combined capacity of 1.5 million guests. By using data-driven insights, leveraging technology and empowering local communities, we are enhancing the environment across our operations. Now, we are committed to sharing our learnings to help others adopt this model.
Data-Driven Regeneration
Transitioning to a regenerative tourism model requires a deep understanding of the existing environment and the socio-economic surroundings of a destination. Robust baseline assessments are crucial, providing the foundational data needed to inform development strategies, set measurable targets and ultimately, demonstrate impact.
The importance of this data-driven approach can offer such insight as extensive environmental surveys which can map habitats across proposed tourism destinations, it can inform critical strategic decisions and the approach can minimise environmental impact while maximising opportunities for enhancement. By prioritising scientific rigour and data-driven decision-making, the tourism industry can move beyond sustainability and actively contribute to a healthier, more resilient future.
Regeneration through Innovation
Regenerative tourism demands a fundamental shift in how we approach development, leveraging technology and innovation to minimise environmental impact and actively restore ecosystems. The potential for technology to revolutionise our relationship with the natural world is greater now than ever before.
Smart energy solutions offer a prime example. From solar panels to large-scale renewable energy infrastructure, smart energy technology is becoming increasingly crucial. The development of substantial battery storage facilities is poised to become a key component of sustainable tourism development.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also proving transformative, particularly in the realm of ocean health. Innovative platforms, such as CleanHub, are using AI to optimise plastic waste collection and disposal, while companies such as Cognizant Ocean are leveraging AI-powered underwater cameras and sensors to reduce the carbon footprint of aquaculture by analysing fish behaviour and optimising feeding schedules.
High-resolution 3D modelling, enabled by photogrammetry, offers another powerful tool. By creating digital twins of sensitive habitats like coral reefs, scientists can utilise AI-driven software to monitor coral health, growth and reproduction. This data-driven approach allows for targeted interventions, such as coral gardening and relocation projects, maximising their effectiveness and ensuring resources are deployed where they are most needed.
By embracing innovation, the tourism industry can move beyond simply mitigating harm and actively contribute to the restoration and enhancement of the natural environment. This approach is not just about preserving destinations for future generations, but creating a tourism model that actively benefits the planet.
Empower Local Communities
True regeneration extends beyond environmental considerations to encompass social and economic dimensions, fostering thriving communities and shared prosperity.
This holistic approach focuses on promoting sustainable economic growth and infrastructure, reducing inequalities and creating successful partnerships across society.
Beyond job creation, initiatives such as the “Jewar” app, a two-way communication platform connecting the development with local communities and the “Souq Amerah” market, which empowers local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), demonstrate a focus on fostering genuine partnerships and long-term economic sustainability.
Ultimately, regenerative tourism must benefit all stakeholders. By prioritising community engagement, economic empowerment and workforce development, the tourism industry can become a catalyst for positive social change and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.
The Roadmap to Regenerative Tourism
Transitioning to regenerative tourism is crucial for the future of the industry and a clear pathway is outlined in further detail in our recent research paper, conducted in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and Aptamind.
The time for incremental change is over. The tourism industry must embrace a radical shift towards regeneration. Let 2025 be the year the tourism industry embraces regeneration as its top priority and embarks on a journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. We invite the industry to join us in forging this critical path.
