Red Sea is being built as an accessible tourism destination, with Saudi Arabia’s luxury Red Sea destination becoming the first project in the country to be certified as disability-friendly for its two diving centers by PADI. This certification confirms that all aspects of diving rules, infrastructure, logistics, communication methods, training, and safety measures are designed to be inclusive and appropriate for all divers, including wheelchair users. The global economy loses $150 billion each year by not catering to potential travelers with disabilities, according to estimates from the European Network for Accessible Tourism, while the World Health Organization reports that 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the global population, experience significant disabilities.
Red Sea Global, the developer behind the Red Sea destination, is leading efforts to make the destination one of the most inclusive in the world through a new function called “Project Aurelia.” Executive director of destination development, Rosanna Chopra, is spearheading these accessibility efforts, emphasizing the importance of leaving the destination in a better state than it was found. Red Sea Global requires all employees, consultants, and partners to follow the UN-backed standard, ISO 21902 – Accessible Tourism for All, which covers a range of disabilities, including those related to mobility, hearing, vision, autism, chronic pain, and other conditions. This commitment to accessibility is not only a moral and ethical one but also makes commercial sense, as the accessible tourism industry is expected to reach $88 billion by 2025.
Chopra stated at the Skift India Summit 2024 that Red Sea is addressing accessibility from the beginning, with a focus on sustainability that includes both people and planet. She emphasized the importance of considering not just disability but also opportunities in multi-generational travel. Red Sea Global challenges architects and engineers to adhere to ISO 21902 guidelines from the start of any project, ensuring that accessibility is a priority in all planning and development. Disability rights activist Tanzila Khan called for an end to the “disability tax” in travel at the Skift Global Forum East 2022, highlighting the importance of making travel experiences accessible and inclusive for all individuals.
Overall, Red Sea’s efforts to become a more accessible tourism destination are setting a new standard for inclusivity within the industry. By prioritizing accessibility in all aspects of planning and development, Red Sea Global is not only meeting the needs of travelers with disabilities but also tapping into a growing market for accessible tourism. With a commitment to following international guidelines and ensuring that all partners are on board with this vision, Red Sea is poised to become a model for inclusive tourism destinations around the world. The focus on sustainability, both in terms of the environment and the people who visit and live in the destination, sets Red Sea apart as a leader in accessible and responsible tourism development.
