American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia recently organized a panel discussion in Jeddah, gathering industry leaders and experts to discuss the development of the Red Sea as a luxury marine destination.
The session, moderated by Lana Klyueva, director of project delivery at the Saudi Tourism Authority, featured panelists including Khaled Al-Jafari, head of investment and business development at the Saudi Red Sea Authority; Oliver Rees, general manager at the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina; and Eric Althaus, managing partner and senior broker at Althaus Yachts.
Maxwell Andrews, sports committee chairman and member of the board of directors at AmCham Saudi Arabia, said: “Saudi Arabia’s visionary investment in regenerative tourism elevates luxury to new heights, seamlessly weaving the essence of visitors into the regenerative tapestry. This sets an unparalleled standard, raising the bar for luxury experiences worldwide.”
The session underscored the significant progress and potential of the Red Sea as a luxury marine destination, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in tourism and hospitality.
Althaus commended the Saudi government for turning the Red Sea into a unique destination, saying: “Picture this: an incredible marine haven that will be guarded like the precious gem it is. Get ready for the most fabulous yachts and charterers, soaking up the luxury and splendor while creating a paradise that extends beyond the sea.”
Al-Jafari emphasized the authority’s goal of creating a suitable investment climate for coastal tourism on the Red Sea while providing adequate investment support and information.
Mohammad Tafesh, vice president of the Jeddah chapter, said: “As tourism flourishes, this region is becoming a symbol of opulence and natural beauty, drawing global attention to Saudi Arabia's evolving travel landscape.”
Zeina Al-Nouri, sports committee special projects manager and Jeddah chapter coordinator, said: “Observing Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking commitment to transforming tourism shows how their groundbreaking investments redefine and transcend conventional expectations for luxury experiences. It emphasizes our dedication to fostering meaningful discussions with key stakeholders, both local and international, in the Kingdom.”
