Luxury destination The Red Sea is set to attract international visitors with the announcement of twice-weekly flights from Dubai to the Saudi Arabian archipelago project. The route, operated by Flydubai, will begin on April 18 and land at the new Red Sea International airport. Guests will then need to take additional transportation to reach The Red Sea site, which currently features two operating hotels. The cost of a round-trip ticket for the three-hour flight in economy starts at $866, making it a significantly more expensive option compared to flights to other Saudi Arabian cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
The aim of The Red Sea project is to position Saudi Arabia as a top global tourism destination. By the end of the decade, the destination hopes to attract one million visitors each year while also focusing on environmental conservation efforts. Plans for The Red Sea include the opening of 50 hotels by 2025, with the majority being operated by international brands. The current roster includes top luxury brands such as Six Senses and St. Regis from IHG and Marriott. The total budget for The Red Sea project is not disclosed, but developers have already invested $5 billion by 2023 and plan to spend an additional $15 billion in 2024.
The announcement of the first international flight to The Red Sea is seen as a significant step towards opening up the destination to visitors from around the world. With Dubai serving as a major travel hub, The Red Sea expects the new route to increase international visits to the luxury destination. CEO John Pagano expressed excitement over the prospect of welcoming visitors not only from the UAE but also from the wider Middle East region and beyond. The long-term goal is to establish The Red Sea as a top tourism destination globally, with a focus on maintaining sustainable tourism practices to protect the environment and nature.
The presence of top luxury hotel brands like Six Senses and St. Regis is a key factor in positioning The Red Sea as a high-end destination. The luxury resort Numjuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is set to open in May and is expected to become the most expensive resort in the Middle East. With a total of 50 hotels planned for the area, The Red Sea aims to offer a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to the needs of luxury travelers looking for a premium experience. The development of these luxury hotels is part of a larger effort to enhance the overall appeal of The Red Sea as a luxury tourist destination in the region.
The focus on luxury and exclusivity is a key selling point for The Red Sea project, with the expectation that high-end travelers will be attracted to the premium offerings and experiences available in the destination. The strategic partnership with Flydubai to launch international flights from Dubai is a strategic move to increase accessibility for international visitors and further establish The Red Sea as a top global destination for luxury travel. With plans to open 16 hotels by 2025 and a vision to attract one million visitors annually, The Red Sea is positioning itself as a must-visit luxury hotspot for travelers seeking an upscale and exclusive vacation experience in a stunning coastal setting.
