Latest news with #BrentAnderson
Gulf Insider
01-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah Reveals UAE's First Cross-Emirate Hiking Trail
Fujairah Adventures and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance adventure tourism across the UAE. The agreement, signed at Fujairah's International Conference on Adventure Tourism on April 30, took place in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah. The partnership will connect the mountainous regions of both emirates, creating the UAE's first cross-emirate hiking trail. This initiative aims to link Ras Al Khaimah's peaks and adventure facilities with Fujairah's wadis and heritage paths. 'This collaboration isn't just about expanding our tourism offerings – it's about creating meaningful connections between landscapes, communities, and cultures in ways we've never seen before. By partnering with Fujairah Adventures, we are not only enriching adventure tourism in the UAE but also setting a precedent for cross-destination collaborations that celebrate diversity, champion sustainability, and inspire a new era of exploration across the region's most breathtaking terrains,' Brent Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer, RAKTDA said. The partnership will create an integrated experience spanning mountains, wadis, coastal areas, and deserts whilst prioritising environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and community engagement. Ras Al Khaimah features Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, which hosts attractions including Jais Flight, Jais Sledder, Jais Sky Tour, and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. The emirate also offers a 97km hiking network and the 40km Jebel Jais Rim Trail. Fujairah contributes the Fujairah Adventure Park and numerous trails, including the Altaybbah Historic Route, Seven Summits Hike, Ain Al Sheria Trail, Wadi Al Dahir Hike, Wadi Al Abadilah, Sal Khail Trail, and the Alaqqah Coastal Ridge. 'This MOU represents a strategic step toward strengthening the adventure tourism landscape in the UAE. By joining forces with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, we enhance our collective presence on the international stage, positioning both emirates as key players in the region's adventure tourism sector. This collaboration allows us to share expertise, align development efforts, and create a more interconnected and competitive offering that attracts global adventurers while preserving the unique identity of each destination. Additionally, it highlights the rich culture and heritage of both emirates, ensuring that adventure tourism is deeply rooted in the authentic experiences and history that define our regions,' Amr Zein Eddin, Fujairah Adventures Center Manager added. The timing of this partnership corresponds with growth in the adventure tourism sector. From 2022 to 2025, adventure tourism has contributed significantly to the local economy, with projections estimating the sector will reach AED30 million by 2030. Global travel trends indicate the adventure tourism segment is expected to grow at an annual rate of 10-15 per cent over the next five years. Market studies suggest that by 2030, the market could contribute up to 35 per cent of the Middle East's total tourism revenue. This new agreement builds upon RAKTDA's existing partnerships, including its collaboration with Musandam Governorate in Oman to promote joint travel experiences.
Arabian Business
30-04-2025
- Arabian Business
Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah announce major partnership; reveals UAE's first cross-emirate hiking trail
Fujairah Adventures and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance adventure tourism across the UAE. The agreement, signed at Fujairah's International Conference on Adventure Tourism on April 30, took place in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah. The partnership will connect the mountainous regions of both emirates, creating the UAE's first cross-emirate hiking trail. UAE's first cross-emirate hiking trail announced by Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah This initiative aims to link Ras Al Khaimah 's peaks and adventure facilities with Fujairah's wadis and heritage paths. 'This collaboration isn't just about expanding our tourism offerings – it's about creating meaningful connections between landscapes, communities, and cultures in ways we've never seen before. By partnering with Fujairah Adventures, we are not only enriching adventure tourism in the UAE but also setting a precedent for cross-destination collaborations that celebrate diversity, champion sustainability, and inspire a new era of exploration across the region's most breathtaking terrains,' Brent Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer, RAKTDA said. The partnership will create an integrated experience spanning mountains, wadis, coastal areas, and deserts whilst prioritising environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and community engagement. Ras Al Khaimah features Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, which hosts attractions including Jais Flight, Jais Sledder, Jais Sky Tour, and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. The emirate also offers a 97km hiking network and the 40km Jebel Jais Rim Trail. Fujairah contributes the Fujairah Adventure Park and numerous trails, including the Altaybbah Historic Route, Seven Summits Hike, Ain Al Sheria Trail, Wadi Al Dahir Hike, Wadi Al Abadilah, Sal Khail Trail, and the Alaqqah Coastal Ridge. 'This MOU represents a strategic step toward strengthening the adventure tourism landscape in the UAE. By joining forces with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, we enhance our collective presence on the international stage, positioning both emirates as key players in the region's adventure tourism sector. This collaboration allows us to share expertise, align development efforts, and create a more interconnected and competitive offering that attracts global adventurers while preserving the unique identity of each destination. Additionally, it highlights the rich culture and heritage of both emirates, ensuring that adventure tourism is deeply rooted in the authentic experiences and history that define our regions,' Amr Zein Eddin, Fujairah Adventures Center Manager added. The timing of this partnership corresponds with growth in the adventure tourism sector. From 2022 to 2025, adventure tourism has contributed significantly to the local economy, with projections estimating the sector will reach AED30 million by 2030. Global travel trends indicate the adventure tourism segment is expected to grow at an annual rate of 10-15 per cent over the next five years. Market studies suggest that by 2030, the market could contribute up to 35 per cent of the Middle East's total tourism revenue.
Trade Arabia
17-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism announces key appointments
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reinforces its leadership team with the appointment of Brent Anderson as Chief Commercial Officer and Emil Petrov as Vice President of Strategy and Insights. The respective appointments mark a significant step in the Authority's ongoing efforts to position Ras Al Khaimah as one of the region's leading tourism destinations, further accelerating its growth as the 'Destination of the Future.' Brent Anderson joins RAKTDA to drive the emirate's commercial tourism strategy. With three decades of experience in strategic tourism marketing, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement at Tourism Australia, Anderson brings invaluable expertise to help RAKTDA tap into new source markets and achieve sustained visitor growth. As the Regional General Manager for South & South-East Asia (SSEA), he successfully led the region to become the fastest growing and second largest source of visitors for Australia. Post-pandemic, SSEA became the fastest recovering region for Australia supporting the recovery of Australia's tourism industry. In his new role, Anderson leads RAKTDA's Commercial Tourism Destination teams, overseeing Destination Tourism Development, Marketing and Communications, and Community Outreach & Events. Anderson is responsible for the Emirate's commercial tourism strategy, focusing on expanding global partnerships, enhancing aviation connectivity, and driving marketing awareness, communications, and events through strategic campaigns and global engagement. Emil Petrov joins RAKTDA as Vice President of Strategy and Insights, bringing more than 15 years of strategic leadership experience across the tourism and telecommunications sectors. At RAKTDA, he is responsible for shaping Ras Al Khaimah's long-term tourism vision, aligning stakeholders and strengthening the emirate's data and insights capabilities to solidify its reputation as one of the region's fastest-growing destinations. Prior to joining RAKTDA, Petrov served as Head of Strategy and Strategic Projects at Tourism New Zealand, where he led the development of the "Enrich 2025" strategy, positioning the country for sustainable tourism growth. His strategic foresight contributed to a 50% increase in tourism export earnings, enhancing New Zealand's global reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism. 'The addition of Brent and Emil to our executive team bolsters our strategy of attracting best-in-class talent to drive our tourism agenda forward,' said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. 'As Ras Al Khaimah develops, they will be charged with ensuring that liveability and sustainable tourism growth go hand in hand. Their leadership will be crucial in driving our industry forward and increasing tourism's GDP contribution to one-third by 2030." -TradeArabia News Service
