Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, June 15, 2011 - Ras Al Khaimah Hotels and Tourism Development Authority announces the Government awarding Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort management contract to Hilton Hotels and Resorts. The Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort is located 25 kilometres from Ras Al Khaimah city and is set in approx 1.5 square kilometres of large secluded grounds and overlooks the Gulf with a private beach stretching 1.5 kilometres along the coast.

On the occasion of the official signing of the management agreement a meeting was held on 15th of June 2011 at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa attended by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah , Rudi Jagersbacher - President, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa , Carlos Khneisser - Vice President, Development, Hilton Worldwide & Middle East, Victor A. Louis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Hotels & Tourism Investment & Development - Government of Ras Al Khaimah,  Mohab Ghali - Country General Manager Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and Abdullah Bin Hammed Al Qasimi - Chief of H.H. Ruler Office

Commented on the occasion H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah said: "Hilton operating Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort marks yet another milestone in our evolution of tourism and the development of hotel brand presence within Ras Al Khaimah.  As a leading international hotel management group operating several successful brands, Hilton has the track-record and the global infrastructure to maximise the value of our investment. We believe this property will emerge as one of Ras Al Khaimah's top resorts and will contribute to attracting leisure travellers to the emirate. Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort is a unique and visually stunning resort without pretence that welcomed guest from around the world. And now we are thrilled to be partnering with Hilton because their recognised dedication to excellence, unparalleled service and exquisite taste complimented with their strong commitment towards Ras Al Khaimah in the past; this new founded partnership will only further cement our position as leaders in hospitality and tourism development.

Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort is located along the stunning white washed beaches of Ras Al Khaimah surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and lagoons. Designed as a victorious Arabian Fort reviving the "1001 Arabian Nights, the resort is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. With 266 rooms including 75 deluxe guest rooms, 183 individually styled villa rooms and 8 luxurious suites; guest can experience true Arabian hospitality surrounded by the warmth and beauty of nature. Among other services the property offers 11 dining outlets, Al Hamra SPA, a fitness centre, tennis courts, mini golf, kids club, golf academy and Al Hamra convention centre.

"Since signing of management agreement, Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort officially joined Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Right now Hilton are carrying out the implementation of the brand and the company's SOPs, connecting the property to the centralized system of reservation and sales. Construction contracts for the resort renovation are being awarded now and work will commence shortly. Ras Al Khaimah Hotels and Tourism Development Authority and Hilton Hotels and Resorts collaboration will play an integral role in completing this project under the guidance and patronage of H.H. Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi - Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah." commented Victor Louis, Chief Operating Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Hotels and Tourism Development Authority.

Furthermore he added "We are privileged to award Hilton with this signature hotel. Hilton has been one of the most recognized names, forward thinking and global leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton welcomes guests in more than 530 hotels, 189,000 rooms and resorts in 76 countries across six continents. Their unique approach to service and quality will bring a new dimension to the hotel and the Ras Al Khaimah experience for visitors from around the globe."

With the acquisition of Banyan Tree Al Wadi that was announced earlier this month and the awarding of Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort to Hilton, the Emirates 10 years ambitious action plan is effectively being executed and Ras Al Khaimah government has already clinched several global laurels to reinforce excellence in the emirate's standards of hospitality.

The plan further states the ploughing of $100's of millions into hotels and tourism projects in a bid to quadruple its visitor count. Located at the north end of the coast of the Arabian Gulf the enthralling Emirate, whose GDP comprises 1.5 percent of the UAE's economy, hopes to see tourism revenues account for 20 percent of its income by 2021.

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For further information on this press release or Ras Al Khaimah Hotels and Tourism Development Authority please visit www.rasalkhaimahtourism.ae or contact sectorMark Marketing Consultants FZLLC Team

Nada Sheshtawy
Managing Director
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© Press Release 2011