Tag Archives: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announces a record-breaking first six months, with the Emirate reporting its highest ever half-year arrival numbers, welcoming 600K visitors between January and June 2023, a total increase of 14.8%versus H1 2022 and the highest ever tourism-related revenue achieved for a half-year period.  Reinforcing its position as a destination of the future, the results follow a series of strategic investments, partnerships and initiatives to boost tourism, setting a path for continued growth in 2023 and beyond.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announces its long-term investment strategy aimed to boost the growth and diversification of Jebel Jais – the UAE’s highest mountain. This announcement of continued investment underscores the Emirate’s resilience and recovery momentum despite the challenges imposed this year by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, AHIC will bring together key industry leaders and stakeholders in a new format featuring a combination of physical and virtual sessions, which will be attended by Raki Philips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “We are honoured to be part of this year’s Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) and look forward to sharing Ras Al Khaimah’s experience in navigating through these times with a focus on building a stronger destination, as a result. Our road to recovery is still in its early phases, but we have already seen significant uplift in the tourism and hospitality sectors’ performance leading to Ras Al Khaimah having the strongest RevPAR performance in the GCC.” “With the introduction of our new investment strategy, we aim to allocate additional funds towards Jebel Jais, one of the Emirate’s key landmarks, to enrich visitor experiences and to accommodate the increasing demand for travel experiences set in expansive, open and natural environments” added Phillips. Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding shared, “Announcing our long-term investment strategy is yet another positive step towards a stronger comeback, and it demonstrates the Emirate’s extraordinary efforts to continue developing its offering, especially on Jebel Jais, to meet travellers’ new expectations and needs. We are also proud that despite these unprecedented circumstances, …

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) welcomed Pegasus’ inaugural flights from Instanbul to Ras Al Khaimah on November 28. The flight departed from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on November 27 at 9:50 pm and arrived at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) at 3:20 am on November 28. The arrival of the first flight was celebrated with a water cannon salute for the aircraft and a special cake cutting ceremony attended by key figures in the aviation industry, including representatives from RAK Civil Aviation, RAK Airport, RAKTDA and Pegasus. H.E. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, member of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council shared, “We are proud to announce the new route between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. RAK is a key player in the local aviation market, and this is just one of the many developments we have planned for the airport in the coming months and years.” Raki Philips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority commented, “The new route from Istanbul to Ras Al Khaimah is a fantastic achievement for the airport. It opens up our beautiful emirate to key markets in Turkey and beyond. The new route is just in time for one of our busiest seasons, as the weather cools down, tourists are able to take full advantage of Ras Al Khaimah’s many great outdoor assets, inclusive of the beaches and mountains.” Sanjay Khanna, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport added, “The new route from Istanbul to Ras Al Khaimah is a fantastic achievement for our airport and I cannot wait to see the …

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, delivered the keynote speech to open the inaugural World Travel & Tourism Council Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019, held in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Sheikh Saud confirmed in his speech at the event, which attracted hundreds of C-level tourism and travel industry delegates from around the region and the world, that Ras Al Khaimah has had a unique journey, from communities of pearl fishermen, traders and mountain tribes to the prosperous, growing Emirate we see today. Sheikh Saud said, “To create sustainable development here in Ras Al Khaimah, we have been busy trying to build one of the most diverse economies in the region. Currently, no single sector of our economy makes up more than 30% of GDP. And in terms of tourism, we’ve witnessed huge growth – tripling our visitor numbers from under 400,000 to over 1 million in just seven years.”  The one-day World Travel & Tourism Council Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019 brought together a select group of CEOs and regional travel and tourism leaders, along with Tourism Ministers and regional experts. Speakers included Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman and youngest Arab to summit Mount Everest; Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports; Raki Phillips, the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Shaun Vorster, the Vice President of Expo 2020 Dubai; Princess Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud; and Gloria Guevara, the President & CEO of WTTC and former Tourism Minister of Mexico.

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 is preparing to welcome 2020 with a mesmerising fireworks display. For the first time, #RAKNYE2020 will feature pyro-drones that will create never-before-seen fireworks starting with the countdown to the beginning of the New Year and culminating with Ras Al Khaimah’s main landmarks being recreated in the sky accompanied by more fireworks. There will also be a special Japanese aerial shell fireworks display, another innovative experience. The two new experiences this year attempt to clinch two Guinness World Records. #RAKNYE2020 will be even more special this year with a range of celebrities – including top performers from the Arab world – set to put forth an awe-inspiring music performance. Details of the event and tickets sales will be revealed in October.  Families will be delighted with an added array of activities for young ones at three new locations dedicated to the public and families along the sea coast opposite Al Marjan Island. To drive the preparations for the event, various government entities in Ras Al Khaimah including Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah Police, Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce, Public Works, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Hamra and others, are collaborating to organise another compelling celebration.

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 …