Red Sea Global, Saudi Arabia's developer of regenerative tourism destinations, has launched the world's first resort certification for protecting natural night skies.
Created in partnership with DarkSky International, the DarkSky Approved Resort certification recognises resorts that use responsible outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution, support wildlife and enhance stargazing experiences.
The certification aims to protect natural light cycles that wildlife depends on, including light-sensitive species such as sea turtle hatchlings, which use the night sky to navigate towards the ocean.
Red Sea Global has partnered with DarkSky International to launch certification recognising resorts that protect natural night skies
Desert Rock and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, at The Red Sea have become the first resorts in the world to earn certification under the new DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort programme.
"Red Sea Global is integrating responsible lighting into every stage of development to protect the ecological integrity of the night environment," said Raed Albasseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer, Red Sea Global.
He added: "Through our collaboration with DarkSky International, RSG is setting a new benchmark for regenerative tourism, demonstrating that preserving natural darkness not only safeguards biodiversity and ecological processes but also enriches the guest experience through world-class and authentic connections with nature."
The DarkSky Approved Resort certification builds on DarkSky International's existing DarkSky Approved Lodging programme, launched in 2023. The organisation worked with Red Sea Global to create new guidelines specifically for resorts, which require more extensive lighting standards.
Nujuma and Desert Rock at The Red Sea become first resorts worldwide certified under DarkSky's new programme
As demand for astrotourism experiences grows, the DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort programme helps travellers identify destinations that protect natural night skies while meeting rigorous environmental standards. Both certifications require responsible outdoor lighting and a review by DarkSky's lighting team.
Ruskin Hartley, CEO and executive director, DarkSky International, said: "Red Sea Global's commitment to sustainable, DarkSky-friendly design created an opportunity to evolve our lodging program.
"Together, we developed resort-specific lighting best practices that recognise the unique needs of larger hospitality destinations while upholding DarkSky's rigorous standards for protecting the night."
Images courtesy of Red Sea Global
