Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced a sustainable tourism destination strategy that will help the emirate to become a regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025.

The strategy aims to secure long-term sustainability that will drive overall tourism growth objectives and contribute directly to national and international climate change and environmental policy commitments.

Principles include creating preservation and conservation tourism experiences and focusing on both economic productivity and sustainable development.

VIDEO: RAK unveils sustainable tourism strategy

The strategy also includes improving the quality of life and well-being of citizens and residents. Environmental goals are also being set based on minimising the industry’s carbon footprint and contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, RAKTDA said in a press release.

Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said: “The far-reaching effects of the pandemic brought into razor focus the need more so than ever to accelerate our environmental tourism agenda. 

“However, instead of focusing only on one area – the environment – we broadened our approach to address all areas of sustainability ranging from cultural preservation, employee mental well-being to industry wide protocols and carbon emission goals.”

The launch of the strategy follows the authority’s announcement earlier this year of $136 million of investment in tourism initiatives across the emirate, in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The new initiatives include over 20 projects across the destination, including Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak and an attraction that draws visitors from around the world.

(Writing by Imogen Lillywhite; editing by Seban Scaria)

Imogen.lillywhite@refinitiv.com

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