Red Sea Global Sets Its Sights on India

The Red Sea Global may not have very ambitious visitor numbers, but it is looking at India as a crucial source market. Speaking about Red Sea Global’s interest in the Indian market, Reema Al-Mokhtar, director – travel trade marketing, tells Skift Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia about how they are looking to deliver value to Indian tourists.

Red Sea Global’s first-ever consumer campaign, “See Beyond,” that was launched recently encourages travelers to explore beyond the typical tourist experience and consider culture, food, sustainability, and more.

As the destination opens the booking systems for resorts like Six Senses and St. Regis and the first phase of the airport gets ready to welcome visitors from Jeddah and Riyadh, the consumer campaign aims to celebrate this milestone, said Al-Mokhtar. The campaign targets various markets, including GCC, Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, UK, Italy, and France, through digital channels, social media, and travel trade events.

Al-Mokhtar also talks about Red Sea Global’s focus on the Indian market, as India is considered a significant source of outbound tourists. Talking about how Red Sea Global has been active in India, hiring representatives and conducting market entry events in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, she also highlights Saudi Arabia’s interest in Indian travelers and highlights Red Sea Global’s collaborative efforts with the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Underlining Red Sea Global’s commitment to environmental conservation and its efforts to manage visitor numbers to ensure a 30% net conservation benefit, Al-Mokhtar says the focus is on delivering a luxury and sustainable experience, emphasizing high-value, low-impact tourism.

She discusses India’s potential as an outbound tourism market and how Indian travelers are well-informed, sophisticated, and interested in luxury, adventure sports and ecotourism. The Indian market’s interest in celebrations, such as weddings and special occasions, is also a point of interest for the destination.

The conversation also touches on the changing definition of luxury in the tourism industry, with luxury being tailored to individual preferences, emphasizing privacy, experiences and material aspects.

Talking about Red Sea Global’s ambitious projects and the realization of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Al-Mokhtar sees it as an opportunity to introduce the world to the country’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty.