Tag Archives: Raki Phillips

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)  announced stellar visitor figures for 2019 with arrivals up almost 4 per cent to 1.12 million and RevPAR recorded at an impressive $114.90, amongst the highest in the region. This was reflected by the strong yearly occupancy rates, averaging at 74 per cent.  Last year’s inbound growth was spurred by a variety of activities undertaken by the Emirate, inclusive of the launch of the Jais Sky tour, and hosting of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Tough Mudder and the prestigious UAE tour. In addition, corporate activity and M!CE participation further contributed to the growth in visitor numbers, with RAKTDA conducting 122 familiarisation trips, participating at 20 exhibitions and completing 34 roadshows across 16 countries. Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, commented, “2019 was a positive year for Ras Al Khaimah, as we saw increased footfall from key markets resulting in the overall arrival growth of almost 4 per cent. Ras Al Khaimah is in the midst of its three-year destination strategy which aims to broaden its reach through increased segmentation. A key focus has been on higher yield visitors such as M!CE delegates, as well as prioritising sustainable nature-based adventure and culture driven activities and experiences.”

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will host a dedicated ‘Meetings Intelligence Workshop’ to strengthen the UAE’s position in the international meetings market. Taking place in Ras Al Khaimah at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel on March 1 and 2, 2020, the event forms part of an ongoing partnership between Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and the ICCA to address the increasing competition stemming from the shift of the international meetings market to the Middle East.  Specially designed for meetings suppliers and industry professionals, the workshop will address the bidding process and business development opportunities for association meetings and will host interactive sessions with recognised international stakeholders to share expertise, best practice and knowledge. Focus will be placed on subjects such as customer insights and successful bidding processes, with representatives from Spain, the UAE, Egypt, Oman and Saudi Arabia, including Convention Bureaus, Convention & Exhibition Centres, PCOs and DMCs, participating in the workshop. This will be complemented by a panel discussion for up to 40 guests with key stakeholders in the region. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism, comments, “The common objective of the workshop is to share knowledge, address challenges and learn best practices with meetings management professionals. Participants and speakers are those looking to deepen their knowledge of association meetings and are interested in high-level education with a chance to network with leading PCOs from all over the world.”

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has unveiled the Jais Adventure Peak, Jebel Jais. The Emirate’s latest adventure tourism offering includes the Jebel Jais Flight, Jais Sky Tour and Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park, in addition to the brand new Jais Adventure Center and Jais Sky Maze. Set amidst the magnificent Hajar mountain range, the grand opening took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, top hospitality industry professionals and VIP guests. Following the official opening ceremony, guests were treated to an exclusive first-look at the new Jais Adventure Center and Jais Sky Maze as well as the chance to explore the canyons and spectacular views through the exhilarating Jais Sky Tour. The event also included a series of extreme sport activations by local adrenaline junkies, including wing suit diving by Khalifa Alghafri and a BMX show by Abdul Rahman Al Abadli, in addition to parkour stunts and a skateboard show, setting the tone for the adventure fueled launch. Jasim Bin Darwish Al Shamsi, the youngest Barista in the UAE and owner of Jeon Coffee, was also on hand to provide guests with his signature blends. The Jais Adventure Peak will further support Ras Al Khaimah in attracting guests of all ages with a love for exploration and adventure. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented, “The Jais Adventure Peak captures Ras Al Khaimah’s adventurous spirit through a series of adrenaline-pumping experiences that will leave a lasting impression on our guests and unforgettable memories; everything from the views they will take in as they make their way up to the …

Ras Al Khaimah has been declared as the ‘Gulf Tourism Capital’ by the Ministers of Tourism of GCC member states during a recent meeting in Muscat, where they discussed measures aimed at coordinating tourism efforts in GCC countries. The meeting was attended by a UAE delegation led by Mohammed Khamis Al Muhairi, Advisor to the Minister of Economy for Tourism Affairs, on behalf of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, said a report in WAM. Al Mansouri stated that Ras Al Khaimah’s selection as the capital of Gulf tourism highlights the UAE’s leading stature as a popular tourism destination, noting that the previous years have witnessed ongoing growth in the number of tourists visiting the country from around the world, and praising the decision of GCC tourism ministers and officials. Presenting the key tourism achievements, Al Muhairi said that in 2018, the number of hotel guests visiting the UAE reached 25.6 million, an increase of 3.8 per cent compared to 2017. He also said that the report of the World Tourism and Travel Council in 2019 revealed that the tourism sector made up 11.1 per cent of the UAE’s GDP in 2018, amounting to Dh 164.7 billion ($44.8 billion). This contribution is expected to rise by 3 per cent in 2019, and tourism provided 9.6 per cent of total jobs in 2018, corresponding to around 611,500 positions. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “It is a great honour for the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah to be recognised and named as the “Gulf Tourism Capital” by the tourism ministers and senior officials of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Under the wise leadership of Sheikh …

The race route and technical partner for the 14th edition has been announced by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority (RAKTDA). The new race organisers are RCS Sports & Events. The primary sponsors for the 2020 event include Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority (RAKTDA), Ras Al Khaimah Ports and the leading Spanish sports brand, Joma, as the technical sponsor. The event will be further supported by media partners, such as Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Sport360 and Filipino Times.  Taking place on February 21, 2020, the road race’s modified 21.1km route around the event village makes the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon an activity for the whole family and runners of all fitness levels in the UAE. The prize fund has been increased to a total of AED 1,219,000 and will be split and awarded to the front-runners in each of the race categories. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “With the mountain backdrop and stunning beachside location, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has become one of the most popular events on the international sporting calendar. In its 14th edition, we are ready to welcome participants, spectators and sports enthusiasts to Al Marjan Island to be a part of the world’s fastest half marathon.” Enrico Fili, CEO of RCS Sports and Events, says, “Ras Al Khaimah Marathon is a popular sporting event on both national and international fronts considering its world record, and partnering with the Spanish leading brand, Joma, ensures top-notch quality athletic apparel for our participants that complements their entire experience.”

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is gearing up to host the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019 next week. The forum will take place on October 2 at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah for the first time in the region and will bring together key industry leaders to discuss the core issues facing the region’s Travel & Tourism sector. The one-day programme is set to bring together government agencies, industry associations, CEOs and senior leaders of the top travel and tourism companies, experts, and media from across the region, in an effort to explore contemporary issues facing the sector and discuss growth opportunities to advance the regional agenda. Local and regional experts from the both public and private sectors will deliver keynotes and engage in topical panel discussions, including Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Tourism, South Africa; Rusty Brainard, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer, Red Sea Project; Shaun Vorster, Vice President, Expo 2020 Dubai, Alison Grinnell, CEO, RAK Hospitality Holding; and Raha Moharrak, Mountaineer & first Saudi Woman to Climb Seven Summits. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of RAKTDA, said, “The opportunity to host this prestigious industry forum comes at a pivotal time as we aim to fuel a sustainable tourism-driven economic growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as guided by our current Destination Strategy 2019-2021. Tourism remains one of the key drivers of the Emirate’s continued growth in GDP and employment.”

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced that the 14th edition of the hugely popular Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return to Al Marjan Island on February 21, 2020. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, the stunning Al Marjan Island will host the action-packed sporting event where participants will be treated to pristine views of white sandy beaches and the shimmering ocean along the running route. The popular half marathon will host a variety of race categories, including elite runners, club and recreational runners, people of determination and juniors. Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is introducing a new relay race category for the first time; allowing two participants to take turns in completing the distance in a timed format. Families can also enjoy this event with a 1 KM Fun Run designed for children, allowing one parent to accompany the child at no extra cost. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has remained a crowd favourite for more than a decade, with an astounding number of returning participants demonstrating the event’s stature and coveted success.” Abdullah Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan said, “We are delighted to support Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, a world-class event that welcomes participants from across the globe, and further cements the reputation of Ras Al Khaimah as one of the region’s premier sporting, lifestyle, tourist and residential destinations.” Enrico Fili’, CEO of RCS Sports and Events said, “We are proud to support Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority for the first time and committed to delivering an unforgettable experience to the running community.”

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) will be hosting the inaugural World Travel & Tourism Council Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum on October 2, 2019 bringing together key industry leaders to discuss the core issues facing the region’s travel & tourism sector. The forum will be organised for the first time in the region and held at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center, Ras Al Khaimah. Bringing together government agencies, industry associations, CEOs and senior leaders of the top travel and tourism companies, experts, and media from across the region, the WTTC Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum will delve into contemporary issues facing the sector and discuss growth opportunities to advance the regional agenda. The one-day forum will engage 150-200 leaders in keynotes and panel discussions focusing on key themes, including; challenges and investment opportunities; job creation and skill development; climate and environment action; and digital disruption. Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA said, “Tourism is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most important economic sectors and is considered a key engine for continued GDP growth and job creation in the UAE. The opportunity to host this prestigious industry forum comes at a pivotal time as we aim to fuel a sustainable tourism-driven economic growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as guided by our current Destination Strategy 2019-2021.” Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said, “Through the Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum, we will bring together the region’s top travel leaders to discuss the pressing issues of the day, including investment trends, visa facilitation and climate action.”  

Raki Phillips, an award-winning hospitality veteran, has been named as the new CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), with the authority saying that his appointment marks the commencement of a new phase of tourism development for the Emirate. Phillips, who has worked for some of the world’s most renowned global brands, including Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Universal Studios Orlando and who was named one of the ‘Top 20 Most Powerful Hoteliers,’ will be responsible for delivering the authority’s recently announced Destination Strategy 2019-2021, which aims to attract 1.5 million visitors to the Emirate by 2021 and 3 million by 2025. Phillips takes over the reins from Haitham Mattar, whose four-year tenure as CEO of RAKTDA is credited with repositioning Ras Al Khaimah to become one of the fastest growing destinations in the world and exceeding the target of one million visitors in the first three years. His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, thanked Mattar for his commitment to the role and for his efforts in positioning the Emirate as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. RAKTDA’s first tourism strategy was launched in January 2016 and was responsible for accelerating visitor growth, increasing visitor satisfaction and raising the contribution of the tourist sector to the Emirate’s GDP. The strategy introduced new tourism demand generators, including the world’s longest zip line and the Middle East’s first via ferrata, both of which helped position Ras Al Khaimah as the region’s nature-based adventure hub. As the new CEO, Raki Phillips will supervise a number of key projects, with notable development projects on Jebel Jais including multiple zip lines, adventure park …