In a compelling move that promises fresh momentum for the emirate’s tourism ambitions, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has appointed Phillipa Harrison, former Managing Director of Tourism Australia, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Taking over the role from Raki Phillips, Harrison has a lot to look forward to.
With tourism crowned Ras Al Khaimah’s fastest-growing sector, RAKTDA is doubling down on its vision to become the region’s definitive Destination of the Future, and Harrison’s global expertise couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment.
“Tourism is at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy, it is our fastest-growing sector, and we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in a short period of time. Ms Harrison brings with her a depth of knowledge and leadership experience, most recently with Tourism Australia, that gives us confidence in her ability to align with Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious goals and strategic targets in the tourism sector.” – Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAKTDA’s Executive Committee.
Riding the wave of record-breaking growth
Ras Al Khaimah achieved a remarkable milestone in the first half of 2025, welcoming a record 650,000 visitors, and is well on track to meet its ambitious target of 3.5 million annual tourists by 2030.
The emirate’s performance in 2024 was equally stellar. It recorded 1.28 million overnight arrivals, a 12% increase in tourism revenues, and a substantial rise in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism—up by 15%—reinforcing its pull as a premier MICE destination.
This success has been powered by new hotel openings, a packed international events calendar, enhanced air connectivity, and marketing outreach across key global markets, including CIS countries, Europe, India, China, and the GCC.
Global vision meets local momentum
Under Harrison’s leadership, RAKTDA will continue to elevate its standing on the global stage. The authority is already active in emerging tourism corridors, forging strong ties with markets such as:
- China: boosted their strategic digital marketing and partnerships with Trip.com and technology giant Huawei.
- Germany and Europe: through strengthened air links and tour-operator collaborations.
- India, the UK, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic: via targeted roadshows and trade efforts.
These endeavours, coupled with a robust strategy around sustainability, including EarthCheck certification and a pioneering “Responsible RAK” initiative, are setting the stage for RAKTDA’s incredible rise in global tourism rankings.
Harrison herself shared her excitement:
“I’m honoured to join at such an exciting time. Ras Al Khaimah has already established itself as an international success story, and I look forward to unlocking even more growth in the years ahead.”
With a bold infrastructure and hospitality pipeline in motion, the RAKTDA aims to double its current inventory of around 8,000 hotel keys in the coming years, with notable new openings that include the Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab, home to the emirate’s first over-water villas.
The emirate also continues to host a variety of world-class events, ranging from the Highlander hiking challenge and Global Citizen Forum to Guinness World Record-breaking New Year’s Eve spectacles, cementing its status as an experiential tourism hub.
With Harrison at the helm, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is taking a significant leap forward, leveraging her decades of global travel expertise to compete on the world tourism stage. Her appointment coincides with record visitor numbers and substantial infrastructure investments, providing fresh momentum to the emirate’s expansion plans.
By focusing on environmentally conscious tourism, innovative events, and cultural authenticity, RAKTDA is set to drive impactful and lasting growth. Backed by a proven track record and a robust pipeline of tourism investments, Ras Al Khaimah will no doubt meet and even exceed its 2030 tourism targets, marking a new era as a sustainable, dynamic, and highly desirable destination on the global tourism map.
Also read: Ras Al Khaimah for adventure seekers
