Red Sea Global has pledged to ensure that its luxury destinations and experiences will be fully inclusive for guests and visitors with disabilities and special needs. This commitment is underscored by the implementation of an accessibility agenda that is aspirational, alive, and responsive, aiming to make a meaningful difference to the guest experience.
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, emphasised the significance of this pledge:
“If we are truly going to do better by people and planet, we can’t leave anyone behind. There are approximately 1.3 billion disabled people globally. It is not only totally inexcusable for our industry to exclude so many people, but commercially short-sighted.”
Exceptional experiences for all
RSG is dedicated to ensuring that every guest can enjoy luxury hospitality and unique experiences—from sailing, kayaking, and diving among shipwrecks and coral reefs to exploring the inland environment and stargazing in the desert. The objective is to provide guests with equity and dignity through the delivery of spaces, products, and services, irrespective of physical or cognitive ability.
Pagano added: “We pledge to pursue a total commitment to accessible tourism from day one. As a visionary developer, we have the chance to build in accessibility from the ground up, creating exceptional experiences for every visitor to treasure, regardless of their physical or cognitive ability.”
Commitment to ISO 21902 Standards
To reinforce its commitment to accessible tourism, RSG requires all its employees, consultants, and partners to adhere to the UN-backed standard, ISO 21902 – Accessible Tourism for All. This means that every contractor at RSG’s destinations must ensure guest experiences adopt a universally inclusive approach.
The use of new technologies, such as smart mobility and logistics, will radically enhance luxury tourism experiences for people with disabilities and their families, who have historically been underserved by the global industry.
Tony Coveney, Multi-Property General Manager at The St. Regis Red Sea and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, highlighted the developer’s commitment: “One of our core values is ‘Putting People First,’ which is reflected in our approach to supporting equity for all, irrespective of their special needs or disabilities. At Marriott, we believe that by prioritising the needs and concerns of our guests, associates, and partners, we create a more welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and succeed. Our commitment to equal equity is an embodiment of our core values, and we will continue to uphold these values as we work to promote accessibility and accommodation across our global enterprise.”
Truly accessible from the start
The Red Sea destination opened its doors at the end of 2023, welcoming its first guests with the opening of the first three hotels and Phase One of the Red Sea International Airport. Upon full completion in 2030, it will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Phase One of Amaala is focused on the Triple Bay masterplan and will be ready to welcome its first guests in 2024.
From the very beginning, The Red Sea and Amaala will incorporate and continually improve inclusive infrastructure to enable guests to enjoy world-class destination experiences, regardless of age or ability. This includes:
- Providing guests with disabilities who take part in activities with adaptive equipment and partnering them with specially trained instructors. Watersport enthusiasts will benefit from specialist sailing equipment, such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Through RSG’s diving subsidiary, Galaxea, PADI-certified adaptive support divers will be trained to assist those diving with disabilities and special needs.
- Operating seaplanes at the destination under the global standard of “Passenger Acceptance,” making bespoke provisions for guests with disabilities to mitigate unique boarding challenges.
- Deploying enhanced ground support equipment and Ambulift services to assist passengers disembarking planes and other modes of transport.
- Training handlers at the Red Sea International Airport to enable safe transportation of wheelchairs and specialist equipment.
Supporting families and caregivers
RSG is also creating wellbeing programmes for families and caregivers of people with disabilities, providing opportunities and experiences that support mental wellbeing and foster a sense of personal and shared achievement.
Akun, RSG’s adventure sports subsidiary, will offer a bespoke set of adventures and activities for parents, particularly those with children with special needs. These experiences will focus on the therapeutic benefits of the natural landscape and align with RSG’s commitment to respect and resilience.
Rosanna Chopra, Executive Director of Destination Development at Red Sea Global, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “The unique needs of people with disabilities have been widely overlooked by the global tourism industry to date. It’s vital that we use our platform as a leading regenerative tourism developer—and a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation—to shine a spotlight on these issues, if we are to create a truly pioneering industry that caters to all.”
Beyond the guest experience
In line with the guidelines set out in the ISO 21902 standard, RSG’s accessible tourism initiative will extend to all aspects of its ecosystem, benefiting employees, local communities, and partners.
Work will also be dedicated to building the capability of tourism businesses to support workers with disabilities, including sharing resources to ensure operational teams have the skills to employ workers with disabilities.
To ensure the active participation of people with disabilities in the future of the tourism industry in the Kingdom and beyond, RSG will continue to work with its hospitality and leisure partners to invest in opportunities for staff and potential talent, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or sensory needs.
By driving this commitment to inclusive tourism, RSG aims to set a new benchmark for the global tourism industry, ensuring all guests can fully enjoy the transformative experiences of The Red Sea and Amaala destinations.
…
See also: Inclusive tourism in Saudi Arabia: Aradhana Khowala on accessibility and innovation
