Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious tourism transformations in modern history, according to John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global. As Vision 2030 reshapes the Kingdom’s economic landscape, tourism has emerged as a key pillar of diversification, creating new opportunities for investment, employment, and sustainable growth.
“Vision 2030 is about transforming a country. It’s about diversifying an economy,” Pagano says, describing a national strategy that is already changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia around the world.
Building a New Tourism Economy
For Pagano, tourism represents one of the greatest growth opportunities within the Saudi economy. While the sector currently contributes only a small share of GDP, he believes the Kingdom’s natural and cultural assets provide enormous potential for expansion.
“Tourism in particular is an amazing industry,” he explains. “It represents only about 3% of the Saudi economy today. So there’s lots of room for growth.”
From the mountains of the north and the futuristic developments of NEOM to the pristine islands of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia possesses a remarkable diversity of landscapes that remain largely undiscovered by international travelers.
“There’s so much on offer and it has been underdeveloped,” Pagano says. “What we’re doing with Vision 2030 is really starting to build a new tourism industry in the Kingdom.”
The Red Sea and AMAALA Vision
At the heart of that transformation are Red Sea Global’s flagship developments: The Red Sea and AMAALA.
By the end of the decade, the projects are expected to include 80 hotels and approximately 11,000 hotel rooms, positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier luxury tourism destination.
The Red Sea project, built around an archipelago of more than 90 islands, showcases some of the world’s most pristine marine ecosystems.
“The Red Sea has this amazing archipelago of pristine islands,” Pagano says. “We have over 90 islands with a rich and thriving coral reef system, rich marine biodiversity, mountains and desert landscapes.”
AMAALA, meanwhile, is being developed as a global wellness destination, offering a different experience focused on health, wellbeing, and immersive coastal luxury.
Protecting Nature Through Regenerative Development
Sustainability is not an afterthought at Red Sea Global—it is the foundation of every project.
“ Sustainability is at the very core of everything that Red Sea Global stands for. It’s built into our DNA,” Pagano explains.
Rather than simply minimizing environmental impact, the company is pursuing a regenerative approach that aims to improve ecosystems over time.
“We’re using the platform that Vision 2030 provides for us to really lead a global transition towards regenerative development,” he says. “That means trying to make the place better than the way we found it.”
This commitment is especially important given the ecological significance of the Red Sea’s coral reef system.
“The Red Sea coral reef is probably one of the last thriving coral reef systems in the world. Our commitment is to make sure that we protect it for future generations.” John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global
A Renewable Energy Tourism Destination
One of the most ambitious aspects of the project is its energy strategy.
Red Sea Global secured what Pagano describes as the largest Saudi Riyal-denominated green financing transaction, worth more than SAR 14 billion, helping fund a fully renewable energy infrastructure.
“Red Sea will be the largest tourism destination in the world totally off-grid, powered 100% by renewable energy,” he says.
The project demonstrates how large-scale tourism developments can combine economic growth with environmental responsibility, setting a new benchmark for sustainable destination development worldwide.
Tourism as a Driver of Jobs and Economic Growth
Beyond attracting visitors, the tourism sector will create significant employment opportunities across Saudi Arabia.
Pagano highlights the scale of the impact: “They’re going to create 120,000 jobs—60,000 direct and 60,000 indirect jobs.”
These opportunities support the broader Vision 2030 objective of diversifying the economy while creating meaningful career paths for Saudi citizens.
The tourism sector is becoming a catalyst for investment, entrepreneurship, hospitality, entertainment, and infrastructure development throughout the Kingdom.
Opening Saudi Arabia to the World
Pagano believes that one of the most significant changes has been Saudi Arabia’s growing accessibility to international visitors.
The introduction of the e-visa program in 2019 made travel significantly easier. This is helping to increase awareness of the Kingdom’s attractions and encouraging more visitors to explore the country.
“There’s rich history,” he says. “This is the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia.”
Yet beyond the natural beauty and historical significance, Pagano believes the Kingdom’s greatest asset is its people.
“You’ve got the warmth and the hospitality of the Saudi people,” he says. “In Saudi Arabia they’re warm people. They offer you their home. ‘Come visit. Have a coffee with us.’”
A Global Tourism Destination in the Making
After decades in the tourism industry, Pagano sees Saudi Arabia as one of the most exciting opportunities the sector has ever witnessed.
“I think Saudi Arabia represents the biggest tourism industry growth in the world,” he says. “I don’t think there’s anything on this scale ever been attempted before.”
For investors, visitors, and industry stakeholders alike, his message is simple: Saudi Arabia is no longer a destination of the future—it is a destination that is already taking shape.
“Come and actually experience it,” he says. “The lifestyle is great. It’s a very diverse country. It’s becoming increasingly cosmopolitan with people from all over the world, and I think it’s a great place for young families.”
As Vision 2030 continues to unfold, Red Sea Global’s developments are positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in luxury tourism, sustainability, and regenerative development—offering visitors an entirely new way to experience one of the world’s most dynamic emerging destinations.
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