The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer of one of the world's most ambitious tourism projects, has received the approval of the Board of Directors for the project master plan. The master plan was developed in partnership with WATG and Buro Hapold and included design concepts from some of the world's most prominent architecture firms. The first phase of the project, scheduled for completion in 2022, includes 14 luxury and hyper-luxury hotels providing 3,000 rooms across five islands and two inland resorts. Phase One will also include yacht marinas, leisure and lifestyle amenities and an airport to serve the destination, as well as the necessary supporting logistics and utilities infrastructure. The plan was informed by a series of wide-ranging environmental studies to ensure that the ecologically sensitive area is fully protected during and after development. The final master plan, which preserves some 75 percent of the destination's islands for conservation and designates nine islands as sites of significant ecological value, required several redesigns throughout the process to avoid potentially disrupting endangered species native to the area. "The design concepts that we have presented to the Board will provide visitors with a uniquely diverse, immersive experience while setting new standards in sustainable development, and positioning Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map," said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC. "With the master plan approved, we are now identifying investors and partners who are interested in working with us on realizing the objectives of the project and who share our commitment to enhance, not exploit, the natural ecosystems that make the destination so unique." The Red Sea Project is an integral component in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy. The project is expected to create up to 70,000 new jobs and to contribute as a much as 22 billion Saudi riyals (USD 5.3 billion) to the nation's GDP, by creating investment opportunities for the private sector and developing the Kingdom's tourism industry while preserving the nation's precious cultural and environmental heritage. --More 13:18 LOCAL TIME 10:18 GMT 0004 www.spa.gov.sa/1876900
