A leading hotelier is to take the helm of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
The appointment of Raki Phillips marks the start of a new phase of tourism development for the emirate.
He has worked for Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Universal Studios Orlando.
Phillips will be responsible for delivering the authority’s recently announced 2019-2021 destination strategy, which aims to attract 1.5 million visitors by 2021 and 3 million by 2025.
His role also includes supervising a number of key projects, with notable development projects on Jebel Jais including multiple zip lines, adventure park hiking trails, a Bear Grylls Survival Academy and a luxury camp.
Phillips takes over from Haitham Mattar, who spent four-years as CEO of the tourism authority.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said: “Mattar’s four years leading Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has resulted in a tourism strategy that has grown the reputation of Ras Al Khaimah internationally and put the emirate firmly on the world map.
“I would like to thank Haitham for his leadership of the authority and for presiding over a phase of tourism and hospitality development that has seen exceptional levels of growth.
“With his groundwork, we are very well placed to move forward to the next phase of development in our thriving tourism industry under Raki Phillips, who I welcome to his new role.”