Red Sea Global: An Urgent Roadmap for Regenerative Tourism

Environmental sustainability is not enough – the global tourism industry needs to move to regenerative tourism, according to a new scientific report.

The collaborative effort from Aptamind Partners, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Red Sea Global experts defines regenerative tourism as a “development model designed to leave destinations in a better condition than they were found, benefiting people and the planet”.

With climate change and biodiversity loss intensifying, the authors say that the current sustainable tourism model is no longer sufficient and that regenerative goals should replace those of minimising damage.

Tourism: contributing to the climate crisis

The paper is co-authored by:

• Professor Carlos Duarte, a leading expert in marine sustainability at KAUST
• Aradhana Khowala, CEO and Founder of Aptamind Partners
• Dr Maryam Ficociello, Group Chief Governance Officer at Red Sea Global
• Ivor Williams, Senior Director of Marine Enhancement
• Rebecca Cousins, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Red Sea Global.

The paper highlights that the tourism industry is responsible for 8-11% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

It says this makes it “a major contributor to the climate crisis and underlines why sustainability measures are not enough to reverse the damage”.

Instead, the paper positions regenerative tourism as a net-positive approach that aligns with the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by actively enhancing ecosystems and contributing to global climate and biodiversity goals.

Five ways to regenerate

The paper outlines a number of ways that the industry can transition to regenerative tourism, including:

• Social engagement: “Involving local communities in all aspects of tourism development and operation, ensuring that tourism benefits are shared equitably, local cultures and traditions are respected and strengthened and tourism does not contribute to social or economic displacement.” It says tourism has the power to increase female participation in the workforce through the creation of new roles and providing opportunities to develop skills to the local population
• Consumption of manufactured products: The report says: “Regenerative tourism promotes responsible consumption and production patterns, including minimising waste, reducing reliance on single-use plastic, activating circular economies and supporting local suppliers”
• Food: Promoting sustainable food systems that support local farmers, reduce food waste and minimise the environmental impacts of food production and consumption
• Land and ocean space: Protecting and restoring natural habitats. This includes supporting protected areas, promoting responsible wildlife tourism and minimising the impact of tourism development on ecosystems while contributing to restore habitats and enhance biodiversity
  
• Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of tourism activities.

The business case

The paper also makes the business case for regenerative tourism, urging tourism operators to invest in the health and resilience of their destinations.

Carlos said: “Regenerative tourism is not just about protecting nature—it’s about building long-term business resilience.

"By investing in ecosystems and communities, businesses can weather future disruptions, attract eco-conscious travellers, investors and business partners, and ultimately contribute to global sustainability goals.”

The report adds that the approach also leads to a stronger hospitality product offering that meets the growing expectations of a more conscious traveller.

Aradhana said: “Regenerative tourism enhances hospitality in a positive way, by balancing economic growth with environmental and social restoration.

“But the biggest opportunity is to translate principles of regeneration into tangible experiences and itineraries and communicate your regenerative initiatives with effective storytelling such that a tourism model that revitalises, nurtures and restores becomes possible for everyone.”

Red Sea Global in the vanguard

John Pagano, Red Sea Global CEO, said: “The paper outlines a clear path to move beyond sustainability towards regeneration – ensuring that destinations are left better than we found them.

“This milestone reflects our ongoing thought leadership in advancing regenerative tourism as the new standard.

“I look forward to more tourism businesses adopting these principles and contributing to a net-positive future.”

Red Sea Global, the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, is at the forefront of implementing the concept on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.

Key initiatives include:

• Coral reef programmes that use innovative techniques to understand and monitor marine ecosystems, including 3D photogrammetry, robotics and machine learning for effective coral monitoring
• Creation of new facilities including a Marine Life Operations Facility at AMAALA, a Coral Regeneration Lab and nurseries for mangroves, plants, shrubs and trees
• A commitment to 100% renewable energy for all operations, including solar-powered hotels and eco-friendly transport systems at both destinations.

The authors of the report emphasise that measurable goals and transparent reporting will be crucial for this transformation.

Maryam says: "Governance often falls short, even with sustainable tourism. Regenerative tourism demands more – it requires inclusivity, equity and strong partnerships between communities, governments, and businesses.

“This paper calls on the tourism industry to embrace not just a new framework, but a new mindset that prioritises building net-positive benefits for people and the planet.”

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