Former Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa
Harrison has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of the Ras Al
Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
Harrison’s appointment coincides with Ras Al Khaimah’s
strategic plan to position itself as the “Destination of the Future”. The emirate
welcomed 650,000 visitors in the first half of 2025 and is on track to achieve
its target of more than 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.
“I’m honoured to join at such an exciting time,” Harrison
said. “Ras Al Khaimah has already established itself as an international
success story, and I look forward to unlocking even more growth in the years
ahead.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, chairman of RAKTDA’s executive
committee, added: “Tourism is at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy, it is
our fastest-growing sector, and we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in a short
period of time,” he said. “Ms. Harrison brings with her a depth of knowledge
and leadership experience, most recently with Tourism Australia, that gives us
confidence in her ability to align with Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious goals and
strategic targets in the tourism sector.”
Following Harrison’s announcement, Robin Mack took up
the position of acting managing director from Monday 25 August, for a up to
three months. Mack joined Tourism Australia in 2012 and is currently the
executive general manager of Global Markets and Business Events at Tourism
Australia.
