Saudi Arabia’s flagship tourism development, The Red Sea, has become the Kingdom’s first destination to receive EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations certification, marking a major milestone in its ambition to lead the global shift toward regenerative tourism.
Awarded by one of the world’s most recognised environmental certification bodies, the accreditation evaluates the entire destination ecosystem — from infrastructure and operations to community engagement and conservation — rather than individual hotels or assets. The recognition places The Red Sea among a select group of destinations globally that meet rigorous, science-based sustainability standards.
A destination-wide approach to sustainability
The certification reflects Red Sea Global’s (RSG) strategy of embedding sustainability across every stage of development. Independent auditors assessed the destination’s environmental, social, and economic performance, confirming that sustainability is not an add-on but a foundational principle guiding the project. Talking about the achievement, Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global, said: “The EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations programme is recognised worldwide for its rigorous, science-backed process. Achieving this certification demonstrates our commitment to setting new global benchmarks and confirms that our approach is delivering real, measurable impact for people and the planet.”
EarthCheck’s audit highlighted several areas where The Red Sea is performing above international best-practice standards. These include energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, supported by the destination’s commitment to operate on 100 percent renewable energy, 24 hours a day — a first at this scale globally. Water conservation and waste management were also flagged as standout areas. Minimal irrigation practices and advanced resource management systems have enabled significant water savings, while waste sent to landfill is reportedly around 75 percent lower than benchmark levels.
Beyond sustainability: A regenerative model
The report also emphasised initiatives that extend beyond environmental metrics to deliver tangible social impact. Programmes such as the English for Tourism initiative are equipping local communities with skills for employment in the tourism sector, while the Jewar app provides a platform for residents to access opportunities, stay informed, and share feedback. These initiatives underscore RSG’s broader ambition to position The Red Sea as a regenerative tourism destination, where development actively contributes to both environmental restoration and community wellbeing.
Commenting on the certification, Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, said: “RSG is recognised as a pioneer in regenerative tourism. Through our audit of The Red Sea destination, we have seen this commitment clearly in action. We were also encouraged by the breadth of initiatives that go well beyond compliance — including the rescue and protection of marine turtles in the Red Sea, and strong, practical support for economic opportunities in local communities. Alongside this, becoming the world’s largest destination powered by renewable energy is a remarkable achievement. Together, these efforts make The Red Sea a standout example within EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations programme.” As Saudi Arabia accelerates its tourism ambitions under Vision 2030, the certification reinforces the Kingdom’s positioning not just as a fast-growing destination, but as a global leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism development.
