Skift Take
In this Skift Middle East Report, we also look at the changing face of Saudia Arabia, looking to become a leader in sustainability, culture and yacht parties.
Middle East Travel Roundup
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For a long time, perhaps the only comparison one could draw between Monaco and Gulf capital Saudi Arabia was a lack of personal income tax. Now, Saudi is looking to become a bit more like Monaco when it comes to its lavish yachting industry.
The Kingdom has called upon Monaco Marina Management to help run its space-age yacht club in Amaala – one of the high-end tourism destinations along the Red Sea. The Yacht Club de Monaco company will help create events, a sailing academy, and support with training and recruitment.
The same Monaco Yacht Club signed a deal with Amaala’s regulatory body in August to host events in Saudi.
Saudi's Sustainability PushSaudi Arabia says it wants to lead the way in sustainable travel and tourism, calling for the world to back its Sustainable Tourism Global Center - a "multi-national coalition" for sustainability.
Announced two years ago by the country's crown prince, the center is under the banner of the Saudi Green Initiative from Mohammed bin Salman to promote environmentalism and green energy.
At a virtual address at the Skift Global Forum 2023 last week, Gloria Guevara, Head of the Sustainable Tourism Global Center and Chief Special Advisor, called upon listeners to trust in the kingdom to help change the industry for the better.
She said: "It is clear that the sustainable agenda is more relevant than ever before."
"The travel and tourism sector is responsible for 8% of greenhouse emissions, 12% of food waste and in terms of water consumption, travelers consume two to three times more than residents. Overcrowding, waste from travelers and deterioration of quality life for locals due to lack of destination planning."
"Now,