Ras Al Khaimah in the Middle East will host the Association of Independent Tour Operator’s 2018 conference.
The less well-known destination in the United Arab Emirates – which comprises seven emirates including Dubai and Abu Dhabi – has been keen to raise its profile in the trade over recent years.
The conference is held from November 22 to November 25.
Aito chairman Derek Moore said: “For 2018 we wanted to steer a middle path. In 2016 our conference was built around the world-famous icon that is Petra; in 2017 we headed for the Alentejo, a little-known region of Portugal. Both conference destinations proved highly successful, so for 2018 we debated whether the conference should be held somewhere iconic or somewhere unknown. Instead, we have chosen to offer a Tale of the Unexpected.
“Like many Gulf States, Ras Al Khaimah features year-long sunshine, inviting white-sand beaches and spectacular terracotta desert landscapes.
“However, in contrast to the fast pace and bright lights of its neighbours, this northern-most Emirate offers a more laid-back vibe, fewer high-rise developments, the highest mountains in the UAE, and a variety of exciting activities, along with a history and culture spanning 7,000 years. We’re thrilled to have been invited by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourist Development Authority.”
Aito Specialist Travel Agents chairman Gemma Antrobus added: “This is a destination with enormous potential for Aito Specialist Travel Agents, who are always on the lookout for somewhere a little different from the mainstream. It offers the perfect balance of beach, activity, history and culture, providing the variety many of our discerning clients seek and Aito Agents enjoy selling.”
Haitham Mattar, chief executive, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “We are delighted to host the Aito overseas conference in Ras Al Khaimah this year. With our world class resorts both on our beautiful coastline and inland and abundance of cultural events and outdoor adventure pursuits, we believe Ras Al Khaimah will be an entirely new and interesting destination for delegates to experience, and one that offers a truly authentic taste of the UAE.”
Ras Al Khaimah is 45 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport.
Flights to the conference are being provided by Emirates to Dubai , with transfers to the centre of Ras Al Khaimah. Accommodation is at the five-star Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa overlooking the beach, or the revamped four -star Hilton Garden Inn, where the conference is being held, which is closer to the town.
The conference is aimed at business owners and senior managers of travel agencies or tour operations with Aito as well as affiliate business partners and tourist offices. It will offer a mix of speakers and breakout events over a day and a half.
Touring options for delegates include the chance to fly the longest zipline in the world, at 2.83 km, on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain; go kayaking on the inland waterways; visit Al Wadi Nature Reserve to see animals including camels and the Arabian oryx or experience the souks, fish market, archaelogical sites and mangrove creek in the old town.