CEO of Saudi mega tourism project says coronavirus has forced industry rethink

CEO of Saudi mega tourism project says coronavirus has forced industry rethink

Global tourism will rebound strongly once borders reopen but the industry should build back better with a focus on sustainable and regenerative tourism, according to the head of a mega project being built in Saudi Arabia.

John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), believes coronavirus has allowed the tourism industry to rethink its practices and move away from “travelling with no purpose” to creating “more responsible and meaningful experiences".

“Covid-19 has created a pause in our lives, a moment of reflection on what is important. So let us seize this historic opportunity to hit the reset button, to integrate into this brave new world a greater respect for our environment, for biodiversity and our planet,” said Pagano speaking during a media briefing at the virtual G20 Media Centre.

So far the Red Sea Development Co. has awarded $1.87bn of contracts and plans to award a total of $4bn by the end of the year

TRDC is the developer behind the multi-billion dollar tourism project in Saudi Arabia which will deliver up to 8,000 hotel rooms across 22 islands and six inland sites upon its completion in 2030.

The project area covers 28,000 square kilometres, slightly smaller than the size of Belgium, and