RAK’s tourism sector aims to increase number of hotel keys

Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), stressed that the emirate’s tourism sector aims to increase the number of hotel rooms over the next five years to 12,747 rooms, provided by more than 50 hotels and resorts that offer the highest levels of service to visitors.

He also highlighted the RAKTDA’s commitment to supporting the emirate’s hotels in implementing the country’s Emiratisation programme and attracting citizens to work in tourism and hospitality.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Phillips said that the emirate has focussed on establishing a world-class infrastructure that includes the best hotels and resorts, noting that it now has more than 50 hotels, including ten 5-star hotels, nine 4-star hotels, seven hotel-apartments, and 24 other accredited accommodation.

The emirate now has 8,130 hotel rooms providing the highest levels of hospitality, and RAKTDA aims to promote hospitality offers over the next five years, add 4,617 rooms and encourage the construction of several new hotels, including Marriott, Anantara, Westin, Rove and Sofitel hotels, he added.

Phillips also noted that the emirate is diversifying its hospitality options, by establishing accommodation on Jebel Jais, including the Earth Hotels Altitude, a temporary hotel concept that will open next year, as well as the Mantis Group’s “Saij Lodge,” a mountain destination that will offer relaxation, entertainment and guided tours.