Riyadh, January 29, 2024, The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), as the key facilitator and official regulator of coastal tourism around the Red Sea, achieved significant milestones in 2023, following the approval of its statute by the Cabinet. The objectives included building a thriving coastal tourism sector by facilitating navigational and marine tourism activities, contributing to economic diversification in the Kingdom, as stated in a press release from SRSA.
Seven groundbreaking regulations, the first of their kind in the Kingdom, were issued and became effective on November 5. These regulations enable the issuance of licenses and permits to beneficiaries, ensuring an exceptional coastal tourism experience for all visitors to the Red Sea while prioritizing safety and sustainability. Additionally, the SRSA Board of Directors approved and implemented a new strategy with six primary objectives and 24 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The release highlighted that SRSA entered into 16 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with local and international public and private sector entities to foster collaborative partnerships. Notable among these were an MoU with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Yacht Club de Monaco to expand strategic partnerships and incentivize coastal tourism in the Red Sea. Another agreement was signed with the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) Foundation, aiming to preserve and protect coral reefs in the Red Sea.
Moreover, SRSA led national initiatives in partnership with 30 public and private entities through seven subcommittees, focusing on raising the tourism readiness of coastal areas and activating giga projects. Successful projects included the organization, governance, and installation of mooring buoys, waste management systems, weather stations, regulations for marine activities, and improvements in the customer journey through streamlined permit acquisition processes and timeframes.
SRSA collaborated with entities in the environmental ecosystem and stakeholders to oversee environmental protection, including environmental security and mechanisms for the protection of coral reefs. Furthermore, the authority worked with 19 government agencies to create the first geographical navigation map of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.
The press release also highlighted that SRSA conducted 14 ground inspections covering Jeddah Governorate, Jazan City, and Al-Laith Governorate, as part of the process required to grant licenses to marina operators and maritime tourist agents, providing necessary technical, administrative, and advisory support. These achievements underscore SRSA's commitment to advancing coastal tourism and sustainable practices in the Red Sea region.
