Red Sea Global Boosts Adventure Tourism with SCHF Partnership

Red Sea Global (RSG) has entered a partnership with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) to boost adventure tourism.

Red Sea Global is a developer fully owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). It is in charge of developing two regenerative tourism destinations, namely the Red Sea and Amaala. The PIF, meanwhile, is a sovereign wealth fund invested in projects for the kingdom’s economic transformation and diversification away from petroleum.

SCHF, on the other hand, is the governing body for all aspects of rock climbing and mountaineering in Saudi Arabia.

Red Sea Global and SCHF’s partnership through Akun

SCHF and RSG will be activating their collaboration through Akun, a sports brand under Red Sea Global. RSG launched Akun (“to be” in Arabic) in April 2023 as an adventure sports company for Saudi Arabia.

Akun operates and oversees all sports and adventure activities at Red Sea Global’s destinations. These include electric, fat tire, gravel, and mountain cycling, as well as hiking and trail running.

Moreover, Akun also maintains close ties with local communities at its destinations to preserve and develop cultural trails.

With the tie-up, SCHF trainees can work or undertake internships under Akun to practice their skills in a real-world environment. SCHF will also recruit qualified trainers and provide them with training support.

Red Sea Global and SCHF’s collaboration will feature various local, regional, and international events. These include hiking events, climbing competitions, and festivals to showcase the beauty of the Red Sea region. It will also promote local tourism and provide business opportunities for local communities.

In addition, SCHF will ensure RSG’s developments meet international safety and sustainability standards so these become world-class adventure destinations.

Modern luxury tourism

Nicholas King, Red Sea Global Group Chief Development Officer, remarked, “Modern luxury tourism is as much about adventure as it is about comfort.”

“Our partnership with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation is ensuring that Akun can offer invigorating experiences that complement the elegance of our resorts in a safe and professional manner,” he added.

“Together, we are propelling the adventure tourism industry across the Red Sea region.”

Yasmin Gahtani, SCHF Managing Director, noted, “Saudi Arabia has some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, especially along the Red Sea coast.”

“We want to help Saudis and the world discover this dramatic terrain by opening it to exhilarating, yet safe, climbing and hiking experiences,” she added.

“Through this partnership, we can make Saudi and the Red Sea a must-visit destination for the most avid climbers, hikers, and thrill-seekers.”

In 2030, the Red Sea project will open 50 resorts with 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties. Amenities will also include entertainment facilities, golf courses, restaurants, and luxury marinas.

These efforts underscore Saudi Arabia’s aim of attracting 150 million tourists yearly by 2030. Apart from Red Sea Global, the kingdom’s giga-projects include NEOM, Red Sea Global, ROSHN, and the Diriyah Company.

Photo: X/Red Sea Global