It may not be as globally talked about as the $500 billion megaproject NEOM, but Saudi Arabia's ambitious regenerative tourism development, The Red Sea, has also intrigued plenty of travellers across the world.

The project was first announced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2017 and has since been developed over 28,000 square kilometres of land, featuring an archipelago of more than 20 islands. It promises pristine coastlines, unrivalled marine life and a variety of upscale accommodation options. This is all being done in line with the principles of regenerative tourism, which, at its simplest, seeks to deliver a net positive benefit to people, places and nature, supporting the long-term renewal and flourishing of local social and ecological systems, according to a definition in the Journal of Tourism Futures.

Two luxury hotels have already opened. Six Senses Southern Dunes was the first, greeting guests in November at its inland location set within the desert and dunes. This was closely followed in January by seaside resort The St Regis Red Sea, which sits on Ummahat Island.

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