Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced the formation of a new division focused on the regulation of integrated resorts. These include hotel operations, convention space, entertainment, restaurants and lounges, spa, retail and gaming facilities. Following global best practices in the regulation of gaming that operate as part of integrated resorts across various jurisdictions worldwide, the Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation within RAKTDA will consider the social, cultural, and environmental landscape of the Emirate and cover licensing, taxation, operational procedures, and consumer safeguards. The foremost priority of this new division is to create a robust framework that will ensure responsible gaming at all levels. The regulatory structure will address the entire gaming enterprise within integrated resorts, requiring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (including financial crime laws) from operators, suppliers and employees. Additionally, the regulations will cover marketing, advertising, and financial transactions, ensuring that these areas comply with the Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation.
Read More »RAKTDA and Ukrainian Airlines launch direct flights from 25th June
RAKTDA announces a strategic partnership with national carrier Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) that will activate direct commercial flights from Ukraine to the Emirate from 25 June 2021. The move will see Ras Al Khaimah welcome twice weekly flights from capital city Kyiv to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, opening up the Emirate to another key international market – the largest all-European country – as travel restrictions continue to ease. With flight frequency set to increase in the near future, UIA will be the first airline from Ukraine to fly into Ras Al Khaimah and the latest in a series of strategic aviation partnerships established by RAKTDA to drive growth into a dynamic and developing destination. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented, “Ukraine has emerged as a growing market for Ras Al Khaimah, with our partnership with Ukraine International Airlines demonstrating our resolve to restart tourism by re-energising our aviation collaborations. Our relationship with UIA is a particularly special one as it is not only the second commercial airline to fly into our Emirate but it also marks the first airline from Ukraine and its national carrier. It marks a key step in the recovery of international tourism and aligns with our wider strategy to investigate new routes across core, secondary and emerging markets and to diversify our portfolio with both charter and commercial flights.” “We invite our Ukrainian visitors to experience the authentic Arabian hospitality of our Emirate, in addition to the wealth of unique attractions – from beach and adventure to culture, retail to nature – that offer the ideal international getaway appealing in one way or another to each and every …
Read More »RAKTDA launches new outdoor programme for nature enthusiasts
As the milder temperatures continue to set the perfect conditions to explore the great outdoors, the team at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is sharing useful tips and information to inspire nature enthusiasts to explore the Emirate’s spectacular trails. Running throughout March, the tourism team will release a series of expert-led videos on its social media channels advising hikers (and avid walkers) how best to prepare for an excursion as well as offering interesting insights into the various routes and tips on safety. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “The diverse terrain of Ras Al Khaimah offers hikers an extensive choice of outdoor experiences that appeal to first-time adventurers as well as experienced hikers. With this program, we wanted to shine a light on the spectacular natural wonders of Ras Al Khaimah, as well as providing all hikers with guidance and support to enjoy memorable and safe nature-based experiences.”
Read More »RAKTDA launches a new campaign ‘songscapes’
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reveals its latest campaign – RAK Sessions, a creative collaboration that harnesses the power of music to support developing talent during these unprecedented times, set against the backdrop of a stunningly diverse destination. Showcasing the Emirate from a new perspective, RAKTDA has collaborated with ten talented emerging artists in the UAE, lending its scenic natural beauty and renowned landmarks to their latest music videos. The campaign features diverse landscapes and attractions using the world’s most enduring artform – music, to invite listeners, fans and followers alike to discover Ras Al Khaimah. Locations include the UAE’s highest peak Jebel Jais and its iconic Jais Adventure Peak – marking the first song worldwide shot entirely on a zipline, and most notably the longest zipline in the world – historic landmarks such as Jazirah Al Hamra, Dhaya Fort and Suwaidi Pearls Farm, Wadi Al Baih – and iconic hotels such as the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, to transport them to the Emirate and inspire their next visit. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented, “Art and culture are fundamental to our long-term destination strategy, and through this campaign we are not only actively contributing to the creative development of Ras Al Khaimah but also providing young musicians and artists with a unique platform to reach wider audiences while showcasing the breadth of offering in the Emirate. The world is changing rapidly, giving us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves and the way in which we promote tourism destinations.” Layla Kardan shared, “The opportunity for up and coming artists in the region to partner with an entity such as the Ras Al …
Read More »RAKTDA partners with Scat Airlines
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces a strategic partnership with SCAT Airlines that will see the Emirate welcome commercial flights from eight cities in Kazakhstan starting from March 2021. The move strengthens Ras Al Khaimah’s recovery strategy, following its initial focus on domestic tourism before opening up to international markets as travel corridors are established. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented, “Our partnership with SCAT Airlines is a key milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism strategy, especially as we co-create a viable tourism vision for ‘new normal’ and post pandemic travel. Visitors from Kazakhstan have enjoyed the genuine hospitality of Ras Al Khaimah for many years and we are thrilled to continue welcoming our valued guests in ways that are meaningful to their travel experience – direct commercial flights from a number of cities in Kazakhstan to our Emirate.” He added, “Aligned with this approach is our commitment to ensure the safety and security of all our guests as they enjoy the warmer weather and take full advantage of Ras Al Khaimah’s many great outdoor attractions from beaches to mountains; culture to adventure and much more.” Vladimir Sytnik, Vice President, SCAT Airlines, commented: SCAT Airlines is excited to commence direct flights once a week to Ras Al Khaimah on 5 March from eight cities of Kazakhstan, including Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Aktobe, Aktau, Atyrau, Uralsk, Karaganda and Shymkent on our Boeing 737-700 NG aircraft. Our mutual collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority provides citizens of Kazakhstan with a service that satisfies not only the needs of residents of larger cities but also makes it possible to travel to Ras Al Khaimah …
Read More »RAKTDA launches ‘funderful’ campaign for all visitors
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is inviting visitors to make this season truly unforgettable when they book a stay in the Emirate through its new ‘Funderful’ campaign. Whether looking to enjoy its outstanding hospitality, thrilling adventure attractions or authentic cultural experiences, anyone who books a well-earned break in one of Ras Al Khaimah’sparticipating 4- and 5-star hotels for two nights or more till May 31 will be entered into a series of special draws to win an array of prizes. Guests will also get the chance to tackle the campaign’s delightfully quirky tongue-twister ‘absoluxuchillexcitinfunderful’ via dedicated radio competitions to test how well they can get their tongues round the word that so deftly captures all that the Emirate has to offer as well as winning prizes. Guests looking to put their luck to the test or simply for a change in scenery can choose from a variety of accommodation options to suit every need. The campaign aims to highlight the Emirate’s diverse hospitality offer, following the success of its summer ‘Shortcation’ held last year, which generated more than 15,000 room nights over three months. Through this, Ras Al Khaimah was successfully able to position itself as a must-visit destination within the local tourism space, offering visitors the chance to unleash their adventurous side at the Jais Adventure Peak, explore its culture and heritage through its souks, the Pearl Farm and museums, as well as take to the great outdoors while trekking and hiking. As a result, the Emirate placed first in the UAE in terms of ADR and RevPAR month and year-to-date, as well as leading RevPAR in the GCC.
Read More »Ras Al Khaimah skies to light up with the arrival of 2021
Ras Al Khaimah is all set to host one of the world’s largest pyrotechnics performances to welcome 2021 in lavish style. The Emirate’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks will feature various shapes and themes rising above the sea near Al Marjan Island over a 4km stretch, in tune with special musical arrangements for a total of 10 minutes, to welcome the New Year. With no on-ground activities or general viewing areas allocated for the celebrations this year, in compliance with the Emirate’s social distancing protocols, the fireworks display will be broadcast live via television networks, social media channels and on raknye.com, for the world to tune into, starting at 11.45pm on the 31st December 2020. Although NYE 2021 calls for unconventional celebrations, hotels across Ras Al Khaimah have put their best foot forward and are offering attractive festive experiences to make sure this New Year’s Eve celebrations are not to be missed and will certainly be one to remember. To celebrate the end of the year and welcome 2021, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) brings you a list of the most exciting options to delve into, welcoming in the new year and creating memories with loved ones. While there will be no public viewing locations allocated for the fireworks, the below listed hotels welcome guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of the spectacular show from their premises.
Read More »RAKTDA join forces to recognise front line professionals
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced its collaboration with the Frontline Heroes Office to offer curated dedicated packages and benefits for frontline professionals as a sign of recognition for the key role they play in protecting the nation.As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, RAKTDA took quick action and launched several support initiatives aimed at its hospitality, leisure and development partners to lay the strong foundations for the sectors’ recovery. The Authority has now made strong strides towards achieving its recovery goals and aims to pay it forward to the nation’s heroes, who made these achievements possible by putting themselves on the frontline in service to the country and ensuring the population’s wellbeing and safety. “We would like to take this opportunity to honour their commitment to this responsibility and show our gratitude through a series of dedicated offers and benefits that they can avail when they visit Ras Al Khaimah,” said Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. He goes on to add, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome the nation’s heroes for a well-deserved break to enjoy the Emirate’s diverse entertainment and hospitality offering.” Her Excellency Professor Maha Barakat, Director General of the Frontline Heroes Office commented, “The Frontline Heroes Office strives to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the country’s heroes, working with partners on exclusive offerings to express the nation’s gratitude. With the help of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and its array of partners we are able to continue to reward and recognise the heroic efforts of the country’s frontline professionals and their immeasurable actions to protect the UAE and its community.”
Read More »Re-build and re-connect at the Gulf Travel Show
The much awaited Gulf Travel Show just closed 40 exhibitors for its maiden virtual event on November 23-24, 2020. If you still haven’t registered as a buyer or as media, this is the last chance to register and walk away with amazing Amazon vouchers. Over the past many months we were able to sit back, re-think our plans going forward. The world has been brought closer together virtually connecting people from across the globe. At the Gulf Travel Show we continue to connect with people to ensure that they get even closer to new clients with access to technology. At physical events you are limited with time to meet your potential buyers but at a virtual event you can tailor make your plans and meet the important clients that you would select as each exhibitor and buyer are given their own personal contact that would walk you through every step of the way. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism development authority (SCTDA), Ras al khaimah tourism development authority (RAKTDA), German National Tourist Office (GNTO), Korea National Tourist Office, Tourism Malaysia Dubai are some of the key tourism boards that can share their insights on their outlook and proactive measures that has worked out really well for the industry and continue to do so as they understand the potential for travel. For the first time in many years, travellers are able to access a lot of information in the comfort of their own home.
Read More »Re-imagine travel at the Gulf Travel Show 2020
At the Gulf Travel Show to be held on November 23-24, we continue to connect with people to ensure that they get even closer to new clients with access to technology. At physical events you are limited with time to meet your potential buyers but at a virtual event you can tailor make your plans and meet the important clients that you would select as each exhibitor and buyer are given their own personal contact that would walk you through every step of the way. The virtual event industry will revolutionise networking habits as they will bring you something you can enjoy a whole lot more than others. Two days of networking with the best in the Gulf would ensure potential business for you. Tourism boards that are proactive understand the need of the hour and onboard are some of the most successful tourism boards that can share their experiences and their proactive methodologies that would set an example to other tourism boards across the globe. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Ras al khaimah tourism development authority (RAKTDA), German National Tourist Office (GNTO), Korea National Tourist Office, Tourism Malaysia Dubai are some of the key tourism boards that can share their insights on their outlook and proactive measures that has worked out really well for the industry and continue to do so as they understand the potential for travel. For the first time in many years, travellers are able to access a lot of information in the comfort of their own home. In today’s world where VR technology is utilised for you to be transported to any destination in the world or even out of space, the Gulf …
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