THE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which is exhibiting at Riyadh Travel Fair for the first time, is taking tourism ever more seriously with the news that ruler Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi recently issued an emiri decree setting up the RAK Tourism Development Authority.
The body will be responsible for the planning, regulation and development of tourism and tourist destinations in Ras Al Khaimah.
The chairman of the authority’s board of directors will have a three year tenure which is eligible for renewal and other board members will be appointed by a resolution issued by the ruler or his deputy.
The ruler or his deputy will also be able to replace or appoint additional board members and the board will be responsible for preparing and establishing policies and strategies aimed at expanding the tourism potential in Ras Al Khaimah and developing its sustainable resources within the general development framework of the emirate.
It will also be responsible for proposing and preparing plans, programmes and the required rules to improve tourism. It will work towards removing obstacles that impede tourism. The body will review licensing fees and conditions as well as restrictions imposed on tourism.
The authority will also be responsible for collecting data, preparing statistical reports on tourism activities and reporting the results to the ruler or his deputy.
And it is additionaly tasked with promoting tourism development projects across the emirate’s tourism destinations, attracting and encouraging investors for their implementation and preparing comprehensive plans for promoting tourism.