Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global to begin tourism project in Italy

Red Sea Global, the Saudi-based luxury resort developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala, has a new tourism project in Italy.

 

CEO John Pagano delivered the news during an interview at the Reuters Nexxt Gulf summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, saying “our ambitions are beyond just the Saudi Arabian market” and that the deal was “done”.

 

Pagano did not say exactly where the development would be located but that the experience the company has gained in Saudi would “drive its plans for Italy and beyond”.

 

"It’ll be something specific, unique, that has some synergies with us," he added.

 

That could mean another coastal development similar to The Red Sea, which opened its first property in November 2023, and the upcoming wellness destination Amaala.

 

Both of those are on the western coast of Saudi on the Red Sea and are regenerative tourism destinations, having a positive impact on people, planet and place.

 

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RSG, which is backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, owns and operates ultra luxury resorts Shebara and Desert Rock. In September, RSG announced the opening of its hub island Shura, which will be home to 11 resorts, including the recently opened The Red Sea EDITION.

 

Pagano said another five properties will open this year, and a further 17 by May 2026. 

 

The Canadian-born executive, who recently became a Saudi citizen, also said he will be joining the board of fellow gigaproject NEOM. That move could pave the way for RSG to take over control of Sindalah Island at NEOM – a move mooted in recent media reports as that project has stalled.

 

Highlighting RSG’s positioning, Pagano said luxury travellers are looking for experiences and “something different” which it delivers with iconic island, mountain and desert resorts.

 

“Travellers are looking to travel sustainably. So if you can come to a destination that has worked in harmony with the environment, that has protected nature, that has thriving coral reefs, that in and of itself is attractive for guests," he said.

 

RSG’s resorts are gaining international recognition. Earlier this month, Michelin Keys were awarded to four of its hotels – including Shebara received 2 Keys and was also shortlisted for the global Architecture Award.

 

For more information, visit redseaglobal.com