John Pagano: Red Sea Global CEO Granted Saudi Citizenship for Sustainable Tourism Leadership
John Pagano, the dynamic CEO of Red Sea Global (RSG), has been officially granted Saudi citizenship, a prestigious honor he announced on X (formerly Twitter). He expressed profound gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for this recognition, which highlights his significant contributions to the Kingdom’s ambitious sustainable tourism goals.
With over four decades of experience in luxury and sustainable tourism development, Pagano has been a driving force behind some of the world’s most ambitious projects. These include the transformative The Red Sea Project and Amaala, both integral to Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to diversify its economy and champion environmentally responsible tourism under its Vision 2030 initiative. His leadership has garnered global acclaim in the realm of tourism development and sustainability.
Who is John Pagano?
Originally from the UK, John Pagano embarked on his distinguished career in tourism development in 2006. He served as president of Baha Mar, a sprawling $3.6 billion luxury resort and residential complex in the Bahamas, where he successfully established it as a premier Caribbean destination. In 2018, Pagano took the helm of The Red Sea International Group, overseeing two monumental Saudi tourism initiatives: The Red Sea Project and Amaala. These projects officially merged in 2022, becoming a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive tourism transformation strategy.
Pagano’s visionary leadership has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Forbes Middle East recognized him as one of the “Travel and Tourism Leaders of the Year,” a testament to his profound influence in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global exemplar for sustainable luxury tourism.
Contributions to Saudi Tourism and Sustainability
Under Pagano’s guidance, The Red Sea Development Company has forged crucial strategic partnerships with leading scientific and academic institutions worldwide. Collaborations with organizations like NASA, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the University of Miami, and Arizona State University underscore a commitment to sustainability research and the vital protection of the Red Sea’s unique ecosystems.
A significant financial milestone was achieved in 2021 when the company secured a groundbreaking $3.76 billion green credit facility, denominated in Saudi riyals. This marked a major step forward in sustainable finance within the region. The following year, a partnership with Al Mutlaq Real Estate Investment Company led to the development of the Jumeirah Red Sea Resort on Shura Island. This substantial $426.7 million investment will introduce 159 luxury hotel units, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a high-end tourism destination.
Personal Background and Embracing Saudi Citizenship
John Pagano holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto and has completed corporate finance studies at the London Business School. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is a certified business jet pilot and a globally recognized advocate for sustainable tourism practices.
Upon officially becoming a Saudi citizen, Pagano reiterated his deep appreciation for King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He shared that his years spent in Saudi Arabia have allowed him to fully embrace the local culture, build strong connections with its people, and witness the nation’s extraordinary transformation firsthand. He now proudly considers Saudi Arabia his home and is enthusiastic about continuing his pivotal leadership role with Red Sea Global, a flagship tourism project operating under the Public Investment Fund.
