Saudi Red Sea Authority launches campaign to promote coastal tourism regulation

The Saudi Red Sea Authority has announced the launch of its awareness campaign, "Deeper Than You See," aimed at raising awareness of the regulatory framework supporting marine and maritime tourism activities along the Red Sea coast, and highlighting the Authority’s role as the sector’s regulator and enabler.

The Authority explained that the campaign focuses on the importance of regulatory frameworks, licensing, and requirements that precede the tourism experience, emphasizing that the quality, safety, and sustainability of the sector depend on a comprehensive system of regulations and international standards, implemented through clear procedures that efficiently support sector growth.

The Authority added that regulatory compliance does not end with the issuance of a license, but continues through regular field inspections, including compliance visits to marinas, vessels, and marine activity sites, to ensure actual operations meet approved standards.

Diverse activities and comprehensive regulation

The Authority’s regulatory framework covers all marine and maritime tourism activities, such as cruise ships, marinas, yachts, boats, beaches, and various marine activities. Requirements vary depending on the nature and risk level of each activity, but consistently aim to ensure safety, quality, and protection of the marine environment.

This comprehensive approach seeks to achieve consistent safety and quality standards across the sector, making compliance with requirements a universal rule applied to all activities without exception.

Sustainability and marine environment protection

On the environmental front, the campaign stressed that sustainability is essential for continued development. It affirmed that regulating activities in sensitive marine sites, such as marine habitats and coral reefs, aims to ensure these activities can continue for future generations while preserving the Red Sea’s natural assets.

Attracting investment and enhancing partnerships

The campaign highlighted the importance of a clear and stable regulatory environment in attracting high-quality investments to the sector, noting that transparent procedures and consistent regulations are key factors in investment decisions for coastal tourism projects.

The Authority indicated that its role includes setting regulatory frameworks, issuing licenses, and facilitating procedures to create a stable and attractive investment environment that supports sector growth and expands opportunities.

In this context, the Authority affirmed that the campaign embodies the principle of integrated roles with partners from government entities, as well as the private and non-profit sectors, to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in diversifying the economy and developing the tourism sector while protecting natural resources.