Exclusive: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Chief to Leave for Role at Accor

Key Points

• Raki Phillips is stepping down as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to join Accor as regional president for its premium, midscale, and economy division in Middle East, Africa, and Turkey.
• Phillips played a pivotal role in transforming Ras Al Khaimah into a major tourism hub, overseeing record visitor numbers, significant hotel development, and the landmark Wynn Resorts project.
• Ras Al Khaimah's hotel supply is set to double by 2027, with major international brands entering the market and ambitious visitor targets for the coming years.

Summary

Raki Phillips, the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, will leave his post in October to join Accor as regional president for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. During his six-year tenure, Phillips was instrumental in transforming Ras Al Khaimah into a leading tourism destination, achieving record visitor numbers, substantial hotel expansion, and securing the landmark Wynn Resorts project. His departure comes as the emirate prepares for a further surge in hotel developments and aims to attract millions more visitors by 2030.