Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced today that the Emirate will be hosting the World Travel & Tourism Council Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019 on October 2nd, 2019 bringing together key industry leaders to discuss the core issues facing the region’s Travel & Tourism sector. The forum will be organised for the first time in the region and held at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center – Ras Al Khaimah.
Bringing together government agencies, industry associations, CEOs and senior leaders of the top travel and tourism companies, experts, and media from across the region, the WTTC Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum will delve into contemporary issues facing the sector and discuss growth opportunities to advance the regional agenda. The one-day forum will engage 150-200 leaders in keynotes and panel discussions focusing on key themes, including: challenges and investment opportunities; job creation and skill development; climate and environment action; and digital disruption.
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 Leaders 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% (US$8.8 trillion) of world GDP in 2018.
