Red Sea Global and Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation join forces to elevate adventure tourism

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA regenerative tourism destinations, has entered into a dynamic partnership with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) to enhance adventure tourism throughout the Red Sea region. This collaboration will be spearheaded by Akun, RSG’s adventure sports brand, which manages all hiking, climbing, and adventure experiences across RSG’s developments.

Photo: RSG

Nicholas King, Group Chief Development Officer at Red Sea Global, emphasized the importance of adventure in modern luxury tourism: “Modern luxury tourism is as much about adventure as it is about comfort. Our partnership with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation ensures that Akun can offer invigorating experiences that complement the elegance of our resorts in a safe and professional manner. Together, we are propelling the adventure tourism industry across the Red Sea region.”

SCHF, the national authority for rock climbing and mountaineering in Saudi Arabia, will leverage this partnership to provide trainees with hands-on experience through work placements and internships with Akun. In exchange, SCHF will offer temporary training support and permanent recruitment of qualified trainers.

Yasmin Gahtani, Managing Director at SCHF, highlighted the potential of Saudi Arabia’s landscapes: “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. Through this partnership, we can make Saudi and the Red Sea a must-visit destination for the most avid climbers, hikers, and thrill-seekers.”

Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation
Photo: RSG

The partnership will activate RSG’s destinations through a variety of local, regional, and international events, including climbing competitions, hiking events, and festivals. These initiatives aim to showcase the natural beauty and adventure opportunities of the Red Sea region to a global audience, generating exposure and business opportunities for local communities and the tourism ecosystem.

Moreover, SCHF will provide technical and safety assessment services to ensure that new assets developed by RSG meet international safety and sustainability standards. This collaboration is also exploring the creation of comprehensive hiking and climbing guides for the Red Sea region, offering detailed information on trails, climbing sites, logistics, and safety guidelines to position the Red Sea as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

The Red Sea destination began welcoming its first guests last year, with three hotels currently open. Since September 2023, the site has hosted regular domestic flights, and international flights commenced in April 2024, featuring a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International.

Read also: The Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation: the gateway to adventure