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this year, while revealing that the region’s tourism industry has now grown to an estimated US $227 billion in value. Worlsey noted in the letter: “Our efforts have highlighted the Middle East as an attractive destination for business and leisure, as well as a resilient market with real returns for investors. Together, we have enabled prosperity.” Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Haitham Mattar, chief executive, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, welcomed the move. He said: “Our partnership with AHIC is testament to the success of Ras Al Khaimah as one of the region’s fastest growing tourism destinations and its emergence as a prime MICE and business host, benefiting from its close proximity to Dubai. As Ras Al Khaimah draws closer to reaching its one million visitors target by the end of 2018, and charts a path towards attracting 2.9 million visitors by 2025, the need for quality hotel rooms has never been so important.”
pipeline of major hospitality brands, as RAKTDA launches a range of new tourism products and attractions, expanding the appeal of the emirate for travellers and residents alike.” Home to the highest mountain in the UAE and the newly launched Jebel Jais Flight – the longest zipline in the world - Ras Al Khaimah is famous to those seeking adventure, relaxation and escapism. Something of a hidden gem, the destination will use AHIC to promote its rich cultural heritage and unique mountain, extensive coast, mangrove, and desert landscapes.
MORE INFORMATION
The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will take place alongside the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala ceremony, which will
take place on April 19th at the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. Now in its 14th year, the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference is the annual gathering for the Middle East’s hospitality investment community organised by global hotel investment event organiser Bench Events in partnership with Meed Events. AHIC creates a knowledge and networking platform for global and regional investors of all backgrounds, offering essential insights to investing in hotels, showcasing regional and international hospitality investment opportunities and facilitating direct connections with hospitality industry stakeholders. Head over to www.arabianconference.com for more information.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of one million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority 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 RAKTDA has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry. Find out more in Hall 2.2/103 here at ITB Berlin or visit www.raktda.com for more information.
He added: “Hotel investment is integral to accommodating this growth and the emirate will need an additional 15,000 hotel rooms by 2025. We anticipate further growth in the emirate’s impressive
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