Saud bin Saqr appoints new CEO for RAKTDA

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today issued a resolution regarding the appointment of Raki Phillips as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority,RAKTDA, to lead the authority's plans in the promotion and development of the emirate's tourism infrastructure and its potential domestically and abroad.

The step marks the beginning of a new phase of continuous development in one of the emirate's most vital sectors.

Sheikh Saud hailed the tireless efforts and dedication of Haitham Mattar, the former CEO of RAKTDA, which resulted in enhancing the stature of the emirate as one of the fastest tourist destinations worldwide.

H.H. Sheikh Saud said: "Mattar’s four years leading RAKTDA has resulted in a tourism strategy that has grown the reputation of Ras Al Khaimah internationally and put the emirate firmly on the world map.

"I would like to thank Haitham for his leadership of the authority and for presiding over a phase of tourism and hospitality development that has seen exceptional levels of growth. With his groundwork, we are very well placed to move forward to the next phase of development in our thriving tourism industry under Raki Phillips, who I welcome to his new role," said Sheikh Saud.

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, will be responsible for delivering the authority’s Destination Strategy 2019-2021, which aims to attract 1.5 million visitors to the emirate by 2021 and 3 million by 2025.

RAKTDA’s first tourism strategy, which was launched in January 2016, 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.

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