Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Unveils Tourism Excellence Awards

Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has hosted its first Tourism Excellence Awards. The programme aims to recognise outstanding contributions within the emirate’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and brought together industry leaders and professionals to celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership, helping to position Ras Al Khaimah as a prominent and rapidly growing tourism destination.

The inaugural awards covered six categories: Corporate Hospitality Excellence, Individual Innovation, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Leadership, Community Engagement, and Environmental Responsibility. These categories reflect the diverse facets of the tourism sector and recognise efforts at both individual and organisational levels.

Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), commented, “The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards mark an important milestone in our journey to become a leading global destination. By recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences, we are not only celebrating their achievements, but fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and community engagement. Our goal is to inspire the entire tourism ecosystem to reach new heights, and these awards are testament to the incredible progress we are making together.” 

The awards align with RAKTDA’s broader vision of creating a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally vibrant tourism sector. Their aim is to bolster traveller confidence, promote best practices, attract top professionals, and encourage innovation and collaboration across the industry.

Phillips concluded, “The awards mark a new era of recognition and inspiration in Ras Al Khaimah’s exceptional tourism story – one driven by shared ambition, pride in local achievement, and a commitment to excellence at every touchpoint, consolidating our position as a destination of the future.”