2019-04-17 08:52Press release

RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PARTNERS WITH THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL AGENTS’ AND TOUR OPERATORS’ ASSOCIATIONS

  • As per the agreement, Ras Al Khaimah is now one of ECTAA’s preferred destinations for 2019/2020
  • The partnership comes in line with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s extensive promotional efforts in key target markets in Europe

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) to boost European outbound tourism to Ras Al Khaimah. The agreement was signed in Ras Al Khaimah on 11th April 2019 by Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Michel de Blust, Secretary General ECTAA.

As per the agreement, ECTAA - which SMAL is a member of -  pledges to promote Ras Al Khaimah as its Preferred Destination among the 70,000 travel agents and tour operators across Europe, while showcasing the Emirate’s 64km of beautiful beaches, historic forts, scenic mountains, terracotta deserts and some of the most diverse and enchanting landscapes in the region – all just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

The Preferred Destination Programme involves two semi-annual meetings; the first which will be held in Poland during the first week of June 2019 and will see Haitham Mattar take the stage as one of the main speakers, while the second meeting will be hosted in Ras Al Khaimah in mid-December 2019 – enabling the European trade members to discover the destination while showcasing Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class Meetings, Incentives and Conference Events offering. 

Moreover, ECTAA will become an essential partner in the travel and tourism promotion programme outside of Ras Al Khaimah by fostering relations between European travel agents and tour operators with the local destination management companies, travel agents and other partners.

Commenting on the partnership, Haitham Mattar CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “We have seen significant growth in European Markets during 2018, who contributed to double-digit visitor number growth year on year.  As we look towards our goal of 1.5 million visitors by the end of 2021 and 3 million by 2025, it’s important that we maintain this momentum and as such we are keen on building strategic relationships with key players in the travel and tourism sector to allow us to showcase the unrivaled experiences Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. Our incredible experiences such as the world’s longest zip-line have helped put Ras Al Khaimah on the world map, but we need to continue to showcase the diversity of the destination to our core audiences in this part of the world.”

Michel de Blust, Secretary General, ECTAA said: “Ras Al Khaimah is a popular tourist destination amongst Europeans due to its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, rich cultural history, and authentic Arabian experiences.  We are confident that this partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority will showcase the diversity of the Emirate’s offering and increase visitor numbers to this beautiful Emirate”.

--ENDS--

Notes to Editors: 

About Ras Al Khaimah
One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The Emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.

To learn more about Ras Al Khaimah, visit us at:

#VisitRasAlKhaimah

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to attract close to 1.5 million visitors by 2021, and 3 million visitors by 2025, the authority aims to develop the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Ras Al Khaimah TDA has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.

About ECTAA
ECTAA regroups 36 national associations of travel agents and tour operators of 30 European and 4 non-European countries. It represents an industry of 70.000 enterprises, employing some 500.000 people.

For further information, please contact:

Jonas Sehested
Market Manager - Nordics
jonas@raktda.com
+45 2262 3063

Neda Carrillo
Director of Corporate Communications & Public Relations, RAKTDA
neda@raktda.com 
+971 7 233 8998

ECTAA

Christina Russe
Deputy Secretary General
+32 2 644 34 50
crusse@ectaa.eu

 



About United Spirit Nordic

United Spirit Nordic on riippumaton matkailualan myynti-, markkinointi- ja PR-yritys. Pääkonttorimme sijaitsee Kööpenhaminassa, Tanskassa. Palvelumme kattavat Skandinavian ja Suomen sekä Baltian maat. Innovatiivisuus, toiminnallisuus, tavoitteellisuus ja johdonmukaisuus kuvaavat United Spirit Nordicin toimintaa, kuten myös käytännönläheisyys ja ystävällisyys. Sekä meidän että yhteistyökumppaneidemme tavoitteena on pitkän tähtäimen menestys. Olemme pieni tiimi, mutta laajan kokemuksemme avulla toteutamme menestyksekkäitä kampanjoita ammattitaitoisesti. Tarjoamme luotettavuutta, työmoraalia, jatkuvuutta ja motivaatiota.