Phillipa Harrison is the new CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
The Government of Ras Al Khaimah has appointed Phillipa Harrison as the new CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
Harrison, formerly the managing director of Tourism Australia, brings decades of international tourism expertise across Australia and other global markets. Her appointment comes as Ras Al Khaimah positions itself as the “Destination of the Future,” with ambitions to welcome more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. The emirate has already seen strong growth, recording 650,000 visitors in the first half of 2025.
“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, welcomed the appointment: “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. 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.”