The former managing director of Tourism Australia has been appointed as the new CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
According to a release by the RAKTDA, Phillipa Harrison ‘will spearhead the Emirate’s bold visitation to become the ‘Destination of the Future’, bringing decades of international tourism expertise across Australia and other global markets’.
The emirate is aiming to achieve a goal of over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, after welcoming a new record 650,000 visitors in 1H24.
Before joining RAKTDA, Harrison served as Managing Director of Tourism Australia from September 2019 and as Executive General Manager International from February 2017.
Speaking of her appointment, Harrison noted “I’m honored to join at such an exciting time. Ras Al Khaimah has already established itself as an international success story, and I look forward to unlocking even more growth in the years ahead”.
The Chairman of RAKTDA’s Executive Committee, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, noted that “Tourism is at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy, it is our fastest-growing sector and we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in a short period of time”.
Wynn Al Marjan Island, located in RAK, is scheduled to be the UAE’s first integrated resort with a casino, and is slated to open in 2027.
Wynn Resorts’ CEO Craig Billings in May noted the group’s first mover advantage in “what several analysts have predicted will be a $5 billion-plus GGR market”.
The executive highlighted the group’s excitement about Wynn Al Marjan, noting “We think this is the most compelling development opportunity in the industry right now”.
