How Red Sea Global’s innovative approach is revolutionising sustainable tourism

Welcome to the holiday edition of Sustainability in the Air, the world's #1 podcast on sustainable aviation. Over the past couple of weeks, we have brought to you some of the finest conversations from our archives with added context based on the latest updates from the companies featured.

Following our first holiday special with Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines and second with Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer, we bring to you our third and final holiday special: a fascinating conversation with John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global.

Since our episode with Red Sea Global—recorded about a year ago—they’ve made a number of major announcements that are worth noting. 

Funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Red Sea Global is spearheading a new model of eco-tourism on the west coast of Saudia Arabia with a self-imposed ecological ceiling. Their portfolio includes two regenerative tourism destinations – the Red Sea and Amaala.

Embracing a sustainable model, Red Sea Global has committed to 100% renewable energy, primarily solar, making it the world's largest renewable-powered tourism destination. To preserve the environment, the Red Sea Airport is designed to handle a limited number of passengers, aligning with the project's ecological ceiling. Pagano highlights the importance of transparency in their sustainability journey, publishing detailed reports and data to ensure accountability and avoid greenwashing. 

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Dr Susanne Becken from Griffith University, Australia, who discusses various aspects of sustainable travel and its relationship with climate change. Check it out here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Red Sea Global announces commitment to coral at Cop28 - Blooloop
How Red Sea Global’s ambitious eco-tourism model could save the planet - SimpliFlying
Saudia Marks Historic Flight to Saudi Arabia's New Red Sea International Airport - Business Traveler USA
Red Sea Global nursery brings life to the desert with 5m plants cultivated in just 3 years - Arab News
Red Sea Global announces first partners for carbon-neutral, smart mobility network at The Red Sea - Red Sea Global
How to rethink tourism and aviation for a greener future - SimpliFlying