Latest news with #ATM2025
Gulf Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
RAKTDA CEO Raki Phillips on how the emirate is shaping the future of tourism in the UAE
Images: Supplied As one of the most anticipated events on the global travel calendar, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 served as a hub for transformative conversations and bold industry announcements. Among the emirates making waves was Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing its dynamic tourism strategy, impressive visitor numbers, and robust pipeline of world-class hospitality projects. The emirate welcomed a record-breaking At ATM 2025, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority ( Neesha Salian, editor at Gulf Business , caught up with Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, on the sidelines of ATM 2025 to dive deeper into the emirate's evolving tourism strategy, its global appeal, and how these new partnerships are shaping the next chapter of Ras Al Khaimah's success story. Matt Shaw, CEO of Open World, and Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA at ATM 2025 Ras Al Khaimah welcomed an impressive 1.28 million international visitors in 2024. Congratulations on that achievement. What are the key strategies helping you achieve consistent year-on-year growth? Thank you. Honestly, it comes down to having an incredible team and being a destination that's growing rapidly. We position ourselves as a destination of the future, but we're very grounded in data. We analyse our source markets closely — what they're interested in, what products they expect, and how best to communicate with them. Take China, for example. Just two years ago, it wasn't even a significant market for us. We strategically partnered with companies like Huawei and and now China is in our top 10. Chinese travellers tend to opt for luxury experiences — they're staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, and Anantara. That kind of targeted, high-impact marketing is working because we always strive to over-deliver on the experience. Besides China, which other source markets are showing strong performance for Ras Al Khaimah? Also, RAK was recently ranked among the top destinations for high-net-worth individuals. What factors are driving that appeal? Our top markets include the UK, India, Germany, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, and CIS countries. Each market aligns well with our offerings — from Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest mountain, to our 68 kilometres of white-sand beaches. Another unique advantage is space — our properties offer room to breathe. Take Rixos Bab Al Bahr or DoubleTree by Hilton on Marjan Island — some of these have beach fronts that are 1.6 kilometres long. That appeals to people seeking luxury and privacy. Speaking of hospitality, Ras Al Khaimah is welcoming some impressive global brands, including Wynn Resorts. How do these developments support your trajectory? Absolutely — we're seeing a surge in high-end hospitality investments. What's unique about Ras Al Khaimah is our entrepreneurial spirit. We're a close-knit community that moves quickly. When investors approach us, we help align their brand with our destination's DNA. At Mina Al Arab, for instance, we have the InterContinental and Anantara already operational, and Four Seasons and Nikki Beach on the way. Marjan Island is seeing huge developments too. We currently have 8,000 keys, and we plan to more than double that by 2030. Wynn is a game-changer — 1,500 keys of pure luxury. It's not just about size, it's about positioning. And yes, the casino element will certainly attract international visitors. Add to that upcoming openings like Fairmont, W, and our first mountain resort, and you can see how we're building a diversified portfolio of premium experiences. Tell us about your focus on MICE tourism. We've grown our MICE numbers by 40 per ent year on year. Today, MICE would be our fifth largest source market. So the growth for us is incredible. We're excited about all the hotels that are coming on board with new MICE infrastructure. So it will continue to be a big focus. And we do it especially in the incentive part of it. We do it from a wedding market and across the board.' As tourism grows, so does the responsibility to preserve the natural landscape. How does Ras Al Khaimah balance tourism growth with sustainability? Sustainability is a core pillar for us. Ras Al Khaimah offers a unique topographical blend — from serene mountains to tranquil beaches — and our biggest asset is space. This allows visitors to enjoy peace and privacy, all while being close to Dubai's international airport. But beyond the landscape, we're also investing in accessibility. We partnered with Sage Inclusion, a company that conducted a full audit of the emirate for inclusivity. That includes considerations beyond mobility — like cognitive conditions, allergies, and sensory sensitivities. We're working towards becoming a truly inclusive destination where every traveler feels welcome and catered to. What are your long-term tourism goals for 2030? And as a leader, how do you approach running RAKTDA's operations? Our ambitions are bold but achievable. Today, we're just under 1.28 million visitors annually. By 2030, our goal is to triple that to 3.5 million overnight guests and more than double our hotel capacity. We treat RAKTDA as a high-performing business. We have EBITDA goals, KPIs, and a very clear roadmap. Tourism already contributes significantly to our GDP, and by the next decade, it's expected to form a third of the economy. This isn't a 'nice to have'— it's a central pillar of our national vision. To get there, we need strong collaborations — with investors, hospitality partners, and of course, infrastructure. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport plays a big role in this. Last year, we welcomed 670,000 passengers; we aim to hit two million by the end of the decade. We're already working with partners like Air Arabia and IndiGo, ensuring air connectivity supports our vision. As a CEO, my role is to ensure that we have the right team, clear direction, and strong leadership alignment with the emirate's goals. Fortunately, we have all those ingredients in place. .
Euronews
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Euronews
ATM 2025: Tourism leaders tackle climate, tech and growth strategies
From eco-tourism in Malaysia to AI-led theme parks in the UAE, the Arabian Travel Market 2025 spotlighted the shifting priorities of the global tourism industry. In Dubai, leaders discussed climate resilience, data-driven experiences and investment in regenerative travel. Saudi Arabia's Aseer region announced over €11 billion in sustainable development, while Abu Dhabi's Miral emphasised machine learning to enhance visitor engagement. Destinations from Croatia to the Gulf are embracing smarter infrastructure and greener models. At ATM 2025, the message was clear: future travel must be connected, inclusive and climate-conscious. Germany's Mercedes-Benz Group AG confirmed that it will move the production of its best-selling GLC sport utility vehicle to the US from Germany, reported Bloomberg. The carmaker announced at the beginning of this month that it would move the production of 'a core segment vehicle' to the other side of the Atlantic, but until now, they haven't named the model. Mercedes also declined to comment on whether the step is a result of the US President's tariff policy, adding a levy of 25% to the original 2.5% car imports to the US were already facing. 'If you see what we want to achieve with volumes on this model, it makes sense to bring it to the US,' Mercedes North America chief Jason Hoff said during a press briefing on Monday. Currently, the German-made GLC is Mercedes' most popular US import, with a starting price of $49,250 (€44,193). Mercedes sold more than 64,000 of this hybrid model last year in the US, more than 50% more than in the previous year. The production of the car will take place in Mercedes' Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plant. The output of the US-made GLC SUV is planned to start in 2027. Other carmakers also announced investments in the US, as they aim to reduce costs that the US President's tariff policy brings about, by making manufacturing local, just as the US President wants. In the case of Mercedes, there is no information about how many more jobs this step would create or if there is any additional financial investment planned. Yet, the White House hastily welcomed the decision. They also highlighted that BMW is considering boosting production at its South Carolina plant, Stellantis will re-open its plant in Illinois, Honda plans to shift production of the Civic from Japan to the US, and Hyundai plans a $20 billion investment in the country, among others.
Identity
12-05-2025
- Business
- Identity
Safir Hotels & Resorts Showcases Visionary Growth and Innovation at Arabian Travel Market 2025
Safir Hotels & Resorts proudly participated in the 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1, 2025. As one of the Middle East's leading hospitality brands, Safir joined a prestigious lineup of global hotel chains, travel companies, and travel technology innovators to highlight the dynamic evolution of tourism and hospitality worldwide. At ATM 2025, Safir Hotels & Resorts showcased its expanding portfolio and unveiled its forward-looking vision and mission aimed at redefining the guest experience through innovation and authentic Arabian hospitality. This included plans to grow the brand's presence across key destinations in the Middle East and North Africa.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Safari Park reports 67% surge in travel trade sales
Dubai Safari Park, a leading wildlife and tourism attraction in the region, has reported a 67% increase in travel trade sales during its sixth season. Themed 'Conservation for the Planet', the current season, which launched in October 2024, has marked Dubai Safari Park's most successful to date, achieving record visitor numbers and advancing its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, supported by growing demand for recreational and educational experiences in nature. During Arabian Travel Market 2025, Dubai Safari Park unveiled its enhanced strategy to embed wildlife conservation across every aspect of the visitor experience. For the first time, the Park announced that a portion of all admission revenues will be allocated directly to wildlife rescue, care, and research initiatives, ensuring that every guest visit contributes to protecting the animals and ecosystems at the heart of its mission. Reinforcing its purpose-driven positioning, Dubai Safari Park also hosted a series of conservation-focused activations at ATM 2025, including interactive talks and knowledge-sharing sessions highlighting regional conservation efforts. Responding to growing demand for ethical wildlife experiences, Dubai Safari Park continues to enhance its offering with world-class facilities, including an on-site veterinary hospital, a dedicated animal care and research centre, and a comprehensive breeding programme for endangered species. Through a range of educational initiatives, the Park actively promotes sustainable practices, combats illegal poaching, and raises awareness about the illegal wildlife trade, contributing to a steady rise in public engagement and visitation. Purpose-driven experiences introduced this season — such as the Junior Park Rangers programme and the Nighttime Safari — have further strengthened guest connections to nature and deepened awareness of conservation themes. During the event, Mohammed Ahli, Acting Director of Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality, said: 'Arabian Travel Market represents a pivotal moment for Dubai Safari Park. As we join global leaders in the travel and tourism industry, we are proud to celebrate the momentum and growth of our current season while unveiling our ongoing strategy focused on wildlife protection. As the UAE continues to set new benchmarks for the future of tourism, Dubai Safari Park remains committed to delivering purpose and experience in equal measure. Looking ahead to our seventh season, visitors can look forward to expanded offerings designed to create unforgettable moments, while further advancing our mission of conservation and sustainable tourism.' Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
12-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Dubai Safari Park reports 67pc surge in travel trade sales
Dubai Safari Park, a leading wildlife and tourism attraction in the region, has reported a 67% increase in travel trade sales during its sixth season. Themed 'Conservation for the Planet', the current season, which launched in October 2024, has marked Dubai Safari Park's most successful to date, achieving record visitor numbers and advancing its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, supported by growing demand for recreational and educational experiences in nature. During Arabian Travel Market 2025, Dubai Safari Park unveiled its enhanced strategy to embed wildlife conservation across every aspect of the visitor experience. For the first time, the Park announced that a portion of all admission revenues will be allocated directly to wildlife rescue, care, and research initiatives, ensuring that every guest visit contributes to protecting the animals and ecosystems at the heart of its mission. Reinforcing its purpose-driven positioning, Dubai Safari Park also hosted a series of conservation-focused activations at ATM 2025, including interactive talks and knowledge-sharing sessions highlighting regional conservation efforts. Responding to growing demand for ethical wildlife experiences, Dubai Safari Park continues to enhance its offering with world-class facilities, including an on-site veterinary hospital, a dedicated animal care and research centre, and a comprehensive breeding programme for endangered species. Through a range of educational initiatives, the Park actively promotes sustainable practices, combats illegal poaching, and raises awareness about the illegal wildlife trade, contributing to a steady rise in public engagement and visitation. Purpose-driven experiences introduced this season — such as the Junior Park Rangers programme and the Nighttime Safari — have further strengthened guest connections to nature and deepened awareness of conservation themes. During the event, Mohammed Ahli, Acting Director of Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality, said: 'Arabian Travel Market represents a pivotal moment for Dubai Safari Park. As we join global leaders in the travel and tourism industry, we are proud to celebrate the momentum and growth of our current season while unveiling our ongoing strategy focused on wildlife protection. As the UAE continues to set new benchmarks for the future of tourism, Dubai Safari Park remains committed to delivering purpose and experience in equal measure. Looking ahead to our seventh season, visitors can look forward to expanded offerings designed to create unforgettable moments, while further advancing our mission of conservation and sustainable tourism.' -TradeArabia News Service
