Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority appoints Four Communications to raise profile in UAE and GCC
Monday 01 April 2013: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah TDA) today announces the appointment of Four Communications Group, the leading integrated communications agency, to build the Emirate's profile as the GCC's premier affordable luxury destination for leisure and adventure travel.
Offering a diverse landscape, rich heritage and a temperate climate, Ras Al Khaimah combines extensive outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, parasailing, horseback riding, sailing, microlight flying and golfing, with premium accommodation, gourmet experiences and world-class spas.
The Ras Al Khaimah TDA was established in May 2011 to develop and promote the Emirate's tourism potential on a local, regional and international level. Its key strategic targets include increasing Ras Al Khaimah's number of annual visitors to 1.2million by 2013; increasing the total number of hotel and resort rooms from 3,000 in 2012 to 10,000 by 2016; and driving the travel and tourism sector's GDP contribution up from 2% in 2011 to 9% over the coming four years.
Four Communications will support these goals through an ongoing public relations programme to promote Ras Al Khaimah tourism within the GCC, with a particular focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Four Communications joins Ras Al Khaimah TDA's existing communications agencies in Russia and Germany, which are Ras Al Khaimah's two strongest global tourism markets alongside the UAE.
Victor Louis, Chief Operating Officer Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: "2013 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Ras Al Khaimah TDA, as we move closer towards achieving our strategic goals of 1.2million visitors and 10,000 hotel and resort rooms. We've had great success with profile raising campaigns in Germany and Russia and are looking forward to ramping up our activity within the GCC. Ras Al Khaimah's rich tourism offering, from outdoor pursuits to gourmet restaurants and luxury spas to heritage sites, makes it the perfect location for local tourists looking for a short weekend break or longer get-away."
Ray Eglington, Managing Director of Four Communications Group in the Gulf, added: "We are very excited to be working with Ras Al Khaimah TDA to raise the profile of the diverse tourism opportunities within the Emirate. Four Communications has been a major player in travel and tourism PR since 2004, specializing in using arts, events and sports to promote destinations. We see huge potential in Ras Al Khaimah's brand and look forward to participating in its development."
About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah TDA) was established in May 2011 as a Government of Ras Al Khaimah entity to both develop and promote the emirate's tourism infrastructure and potential both domestically and abroad.
Ras Al Khaimah TDA is responsible for establishing the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as an affordable luxury destination for leisure and adventure. In order to achieve its goals, the Authority has a Government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate's hospitality industry. It conducts research and analysis of future tourism projects and current trends, create and implement the branding, marketing and promotion of Ras Al Khaimah's tourism products and services and develop, implement and support strategies designed to encourage tourism investment into the Emirate.
Clear strategic goals and targets have been set by Ras Al Khaimah TDA including increasing the total number of annual visitors to Ras Al Khaimah to 1.2 million by 2013 compared to 600,000 visitors in 2010, and increasing the emirate's total hotel and resort room inventory to 10,000 keys by 2016 compared to 3,000 rooms in 2012. These targets will be achieved through a myriad of activities including the representation of Ras Al Khaimah tourism industry at overseas travel shows, conferences and exhibitions together with education of travel professionals regarding Ras Al Khaimah's tourism products and unique attractions through workshops, road-shows, familiarization and training programmes; media and consumer campaigns and promotions; the coordination and implementation of joint initiatives with key travel industry players; the hosting of leading sporting, cultural and trade exhibitions and events; and the development of the emirate's tourism infrastructure and attractions through the implementation of strategies and initiatives specifically designed to generate and encourage direct tourism investment and investment opportunities into Ras Al Khaimah.
Located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah offers a variety of entertainment and relaxation facilities including exclusive Hotels & Resorts, international cuisines and world-class spas, all at great value for money. With a wide range of adventure and sports activities covering desert camps, golf courses, watersports and micro light aviation, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah offers the ultimate outdoor experience.
Learn more about Ras Al Khaimah and its activities and visit us
www.facebook.com/visitrasalkhaimah
www.youtube.com/visitrasalkhaimah
https://twitter.com/raktourism
"RAK Tourism" iPad / iPhone App.
About Four Communications
Four Communications is a full service communications agency based in the UK and Middle East. It has been one of the most successful independent agencies since it starter in 2001, and now has more than 150 staff. Four Gulf launched in Dubai in 2004, has had its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi since 2007, and opened its Muscat office in 2011.
In 2012, Four Gulf was the most successful agency at the Middle East Public Relations Association Awards: shortlisted for eight awards and winning five, including Consultancy of the Year in the 1-20 employees category. With clients including Etihad Airways, InterContinental Hotels, Tourism Ireland and The Wave Muscat, it has built an enviable reputation for delivering successful PR, marketing, corporate communications, and social media strategies.
For further information on the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority contact:
Ms. Nermin Abushnaf - Director of PR & Marketing
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Government of Ras Al Khaimah
RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry 5th floor - P.O.Box 29798
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Tel: +971 (0)7 233 8998
Email: nermin@rasalkhaimahtourism.com Website: www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com
© Press Release 2013
