RIYADH — The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind one of the world's most ambitious tourism initiatives, and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at an exhibition hosted by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). Under the MoU, signed by TRSDC CEO John Pagano and Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp., the two organizations agree to a number of cooperative measures that will support the dual promotion and growth of both organizations. "We're very pleased to sign this MoU with Saudia, a company with which we have closely worked with in the past and with whom we continuously look to build a strong and collaborative partnership that showcases the best of Saudi Arabia to the world," said John Pagano. "Saudia chartered the first all staff trip to the destination, making it the first airline to have served The Red Sea Project. Nurturing this close relationship with Saudi Arabia's flagship carrier will help us contribute to Vision 2030 by promoting international tourism and positioning Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map." The MoU outlines collaboration opportunities between both organizations, which include inflight promotion, joint participation in local and international exhibitions, and joint international marketing campaigns. TRSDC previously partnered with Saudia to deliver a staff site visit, in which Saudi transported close to 200 members of the Riyadh team to Al Wajh Airport, to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the site and become more familiar with the characteristics of the 28,000 sq. km. destination. TRSDC was participating in an exhibition hosted by the SCTH here to celebrate the launch of Saudi Arabia's new e-visa, an important milestone in the government's strategy to open the tourism sector. The new e-visa will provide access to tourists from 50+ countries globally, including important source markets for TRSDC. The MoU represents a unified approach toward helping these tourists access Saudi Arabia and experience the full range of experiences the country has to offer. Work at the destination is well underway, focused on completing the enabling infrastructure to support future work. Key projects include the construction of a 3.3 km crossing to Shurayrah (the main hub island), and the Coastal Village, which will be home to around 14,000 people who will work at the destination in the first phase of the development. The Red Sea Project, one of the Kingdom's three giga-project development initiatives, is developing a unique luxury tourism experience of unparalleled diversity, while enhancing the destination's extraordinary natural wonders. The Project embraces a diverse range of natural treasures: an archipelago of more than 90 islands surrounded by thriving coral reefs; dramatic desert canyons and dormant volcanoes; and intriguing archeological sites.
