Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has been announced today as the host of the World Travel & Tourism Council Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019 on 2 October.

The one-day forum will  see 150-200 industry thought leaders spouting industry wisdom  in keynotes and panel discussions focusing key themes, such as the challenges of investment opportunities; job creation and skill development; climate and environment issue and digital disruption.

“Tourism is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most important economic sectors”

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “We are pleased to be hosting the inaugural edition of the WTTC Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum in Ras Al Khaimah and introducing our beautiful destination to key leaders and delegates from the travel and tourism industry in the region. Tourism is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most important economic sectors and is considered a key engine for continued GDP growth and job creation in the UAE. The opportunity to host this prestigious industry forum comes at a pivotal time as we aim to fuel a sustainable tourism-driven economic growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as guided by our current Destination Strategy 2019-2021.”

Gloria Guevara, president & CEO, WTTC said:  “WTTC is thrilled to be bringing our eladers forum to Ras Al Khaimah, a destination that embodies everything that is so exciting and innovative about tourism in the Middle East & North Africa region. Through the Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum, we will bring together the region’s top travel leaders to discuss the pressing issues of the day, including investment trends, visa facilitation and climate action.

The Forum is a great space in which business leaders can meet with government, media and industry experts to share knowledge and plan for sector growth in the years ahead.”

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the body which represents the Travel & Tourism private sector globally. Members include over 170 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. WTTC works to promote Travel & Tourism as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, supporting one in 10 jobs (319 million) worldwide and generating 10.4% (USD8.8 trillion) of world GDP in 2018.