Latest news with #RakiPhillips
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Raki Phillips
As CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Raki Phillips is responsible for the continued growth of the Emirate as a world-class tourism destination. This includes collaborating with key partners, regulating standards within the sector, developing the Emirate's tourism infrastructure and creating sustainable investment opportunities. In addition to improving the competitive performance of the tourism sector, Phillips is also tasked with the economic and social prosperity of Ras Al Khaimah while enhancing the quality of life for all its residents. Phillips is an award-winning hospitality veteran and a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience working with some of the world's most renowned brands including Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) and Universal Studios Orlando. He has always taken pride in what he has done from an early start, ever since he was a sandwich artist at Subway in the US earning his way through college to opening concepts such as JamDubai, District Lounge and Sugarmoo – a game-changing online dessert concept that was the first of its kind. Phillips has a colourful background, as an American national with Lebanese and Argentinian roots. As a fluent Arabic speaker he has a great understanding of the region having worked in the Middle East since 2005 and was recognized by Hotelier Middle East as one of the 'Top 20 Most Powerful Arab Hoteliers'. His previous role as Senior Partner and Senior Vice President of Development with International Hospitality Consulting Group (INHOCO), saw him develop hotel project pipelines exceeding $5 billion in assets and negotiating multimillion-dollar hotel deals for global luxury brands in over 25 markets worldwide. Phillips is a member of the Executive Board of RAK Airport and the Pacific Asia Travel Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, and a MBA in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in Orlando.
Gulf Business
27-05-2025
- 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. .
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ras Al Khaimah aims to attract 3.5 million tourists by 2030
Ras Al Khaimah is gearing up for a tourism boom, with ambitious plans to attract more than 3.5 million tourists over the next five years, alongside a growing push to welcome more residents to become part of the emirate's evolving community. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said this as he highlighted the emirate's rapidly expanding tourism ecosystem, driven by bold investments, forward-looking development plans, and a clear focus on sustainability, authenticity, and future-readiness. 'Our goal isn't just about visitor numbers, it's about building a destination people want to return to and even call home,' Phillips said while speaking at a tourism excellence awards ceremony at the Mövenpick Resort held on Wednesday at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. 'We're making sure the visitor experience remains front and center. It's the everyday interactions and memorable stays that turn tourists into lifelong ambassadors.' The award served as a platform to celebrate excellence across key pillars of tourism, including hospitality, leadership, innovation, community engagement, and sustainability. Meanwhile, the awards, which is in its first edition, featured six diverse categories designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of Ras Al Khaimah's tourism ecosystem, recognising both individual and corporate achievements. The categories included Corporate Hospitality Excellence, Individual Innovation, Culinary Artistry, Hospitality Leadership, Community Involvement, and Environmental Responsibility. Notably, the awards emphasised the importance of long-term impact over short-term wins, with categories judged on measurable outcomes and meaningful contributions to the emirate's tourism vision. Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to green tourism was spotlighted through initiatives like the 'Responsible RAK' framework and the Green Hotel Award, which recognises not just compliance, but leadership in environmental responsibility. 'With the world watching, we are achieving firsts that haven't been done anywhere else,' Phillips added. 'The best is yet to come for Ras Al Khaimah.'
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority debuts Tourism Excellence Awards
The authority's awards honour organisations and individuals who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership, contributing to Ras Al Khaimah's growth as a leading global tourism destination Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) held its first-ever Tourism Excellence Awards, a programme created to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of the Emirate's tourism and hospitality sector. Held on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, the awards ceremony brought together leaders and professionals from across the industry to celebrate those who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership in advancing Ras Al Khaimah's position as one of the world's most dynamic and fast-growing tourism destinations. The inaugural edition featured six award categories, spanning Corporate Hospitality Excellence, Individual Innovation, Culinary Artistry, Hospitality Leadership, Community Involvement, and Environmental Responsibility. This comprehensive framework was designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of the tourism ecosystem and to reward contributions at every level – from individual talent to corporate initiatives. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), commented: 'The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards mark an important milestone in our journey to become a leading global destination. By recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences, we are not only celebrating their achievements, but fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and community engagement. Our goal is to inspire the entire tourism ecosystem to reach new heights, and these awards are testament to the incredible progress we are making together.' The 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards align with RAKTDA's broader vision of building a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich tourism destination. In addition to recognising exceptional service delivery, the programme aims to: Enhance travellers' confidence in Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination; Promote best practices and elevate service standards in the hospitality and tourism sector; Attract and retain top-tier industry talent and foster a strong sense of belonging; Encourage creativity and innovation across the sector; Strengthen collaboration between businesses, government entities, and local communities. Phillips concluded: 'The awards mark a new era of recognition and inspiration in Ras Al Khaimah's exceptional tourism story – one driven by shared ambition, pride in local achievement, and a commitment to excellence at every touchpoint, consolidating our position as a destination of the future.' For more information on RAKTDA initiatives, please visit About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate's tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate's tourism and hospitality industry. | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Hashtag: #VisitRasAlKhaimah For any media enquiries, please contact: news@
The National
03-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Ras Al Khaimah's residential inventory expected to double by 2030
The residential stock in Ras Al Khaimah is forecast to double by the end of 2030 with more than 11,000 units scheduled for completion as the emirate experiences rapid growth across its tourism and real estate sectors, according to global real estate consultancy Savills. The projection is based on supply anticipated from property launches up to the end of 2024. The growth in tourism and property sales is being driven by rising visitor numbers, new residential project launches and ongoing investment in high-profile projects such as the Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE's first integrated resort to be granted a commercial gaming operator's licence, Savills said in a report. The UAE's first gaming resort is expected to boost visits to Ras Al Khaimah and attract travellers until now unaware of the emirate's offerings. The $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah secured the country's first gaming licence from UAE authorities last year. Gambling remains prohibited in the Emirates, as it is across the Gulf, but the UAE set up the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority to oversee and supervise commercial 'gaming activities'. These include lotteries, internet gaming, sports betting and integrated gaming centres or resorts. 'There is growing demand for premium residential offerings in RAK,' said Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency at Savills Middle East. 'Branded residences now make up 32 per cent of anticipated supply on Al Marjan Island, reflecting buyer appetite for well-located, lifestyle-led investments.' About 40 per cent of all new developments coming up in the emirate are branded residences, The RAK Investment Pulse report by Stirling Hospitality Advisors found. Wynn Al Marjan Island, scheduled to open in 2027, will have 1,530 rooms, 22 restaurants, a nightclub, salon, spa, designer boutiques, an events centre, several pools and a marina. 'When you think about Wynn, it is arguably one of the best luxury integrated resorts in the world. And to have that type of brand coming to a destination like ours is something that I think will end up being a great new contributor to the tourism ecosystem,' Raki Phillips, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, told The National on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Ras Al Khaimah is preparing for an influx of employees to run the multibillion dollar developments springing up in the emirate. The hospitality sector is expected to create more than 25,000 jobs by 2030, according to data from Stirling Hospitality Advisors consultancy. Off-plan sales dominated the Ras Al Khaimah market in 2024 and communities such as Al Marjan Island, Mina Al Arab, and Al Hamra have recorded an upwards trend in capital values and rents since 2022, coinciding with the Wynn announcement, the Savills report said. Sales transaction values were worth more than Dh11 billion ($2.99 billion) in 2024. Savills attributed this demand for real estate to the increase in visitor numbers. Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 1.28 million tourists in 2024, a 5.1 per cent annual increase, and aims to boost that figure to 3.5 million by 2030. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport recorded 661,765 arrivals last year, up 28 per cent annually, with that number estimated to exceed two million by the end of the decade. The emirate is also expanding its hospitality portfolio, which stood at about 55 hotels and resorts, with 8,211 rooms, as of March. The number of rooms in the emirate is set to double in the next few years, with more than 7,500 rooms added. The emirate aims to boost tourism's contribution to the economy to a third by 2035 and position itself as one of the top 10 fastest-growing global destinations. The strategy is expected to create many jobs in the industry, with the Wynn resort alone forecast to employ about 7,000 people. 'The arrival of Wynn Al Marjan will significantly benefit the entire emirate, becoming a strong pillar of the broader destination strategy,' Alison Grinnell, chief executive of RAKHH, told The National. 'The integrated resort will create extensive job opportunities and increase demand for hotel keys.' While reliant on Dubai for luxury and lifestyle amenities, RAK is quickly building its own offering. 'RAK's evolution is now beyond tourism alone,' said Rachael Kennerley, head of research at Savills Middle East. 'We're seeing the pieces come together, infrastructure, education, entertainment, and residential development, which together make a compelling case for long-term investment and growth.'
