Ras Al Khaimah’s reveals destination investment roadmap

Dubai’s neighbour has made sustainable tourism a key focus for future growth and development

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has revealed its comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy that will see the nature-rich location become the regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025.

The strategy maps out key steps for the Emirate to secure long-term sustainability that will drive overall tourism growth objectives and contribute directly to national and international climate change and environmental policy commitments.

The guiding principles for sustainable tourism in Ras Al Khaimah include delivering authentic experiences through preservation and conservation, improving the quality of life and well-being of citizens and residents with a community-based approach, and setting environmental goals based on minimising the industry’s carbon footprint.

Commenting on the launch of the new strategy, RAKTDA CEO Raki Phillips said: “The far-reaching effects of the pandemic brought into razor-focus the need more so than ever to accelerate our environmental tourism agenda. However, instead of focusing only on one area – the environment – we broadened our approach, addressing all areas of sustainability, ranging from cultural preservation and employee mental well-being to industry-wide protocols and carbon emission goals.

“With the theme ‘Rise Together’ at this year’s Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), the time is right to signal to industry investors that sustainable considerations need to be top of mind for long-term investment and hospitality development in a destination.”

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As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, RAKTDA works with EarthCheck, the global environmental experts, to co-create and implement sustainable practices that address key sustainability and climate change issues facing the tourism industry. The Authority also runs a scholarship programme with the American University of Ras Al Khaimah focused on tourism-related educational programming. 

The fastest-growing destination in the region, Ras Al Khaimah was named the Gulf Tourism Capital for both 2020 and 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council and set a global benchmark in becoming the first city in the world to secure the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label and World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travel Stamp. 

For more information, visit  www.visitrasalkhaimah.com