Global CEO Excellence 2017

44 CEO MONTHLY / GLOBAL CEO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017 , The Ras Al Khaimah TourismDevelopment Authority (RAKTDA) was formed under the government of Ras Al Khaimah to develop the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish the region as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel. We spoke to Haitham Mattar to find out more about the company and the reasons behind his own success. Tourism Promotion CEO of the Year - UAE The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was formed under the government of Ras Al Khaimah to develop the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish the region as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel. We spoke to Haitham Mattar to find out more about the tourism authority and the reasons behind his own success. Established in 2011, RAKTDA works to license and regulate the tourism and hospitality products across the emirate. It is also tasked with overseeing domestic and overseas promotions and supporting natural heritage and environmental preservation across the region. Through various initiatives, RAKTDA works hand in hand with government entities, travel, tourism and hospitality stakeholders and local communities to derive the maximum economic and social benefit from tourism. Specifically, the authority collaborates with major tour operators and global airlines, across multiple regions including Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia, as well as some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry. Through successful collaboration, the authority is able to stimulate sustainable job growth, increase the tourism industry’s financial contribution to the economy and support a growing number of travellers that visit Ras Al Khaimah every year. Haitham tells us how it feels to be named Tourism Promotion CEO of the year in the UAE, whilst also discussing what he attributes to his success and what difference the award can make in terms of future business. “After being named CEO of the Year, I feel honoured. Over the last two years, and thanks to the clear vision, direction and support of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKTDA has adopted a strategic approach to the promotion and development of Ras Al Khaimah as an all-round tourist destination. To be recognised for our work is extremely humbling. “Much of my success comes from the support I receive from HH The Ruler, my counterparts in the government and my talented team at RAKTDA. I am hoping that winning this award will raise the awareness of Ras Al Khaimah across the world.” Outlining his previous roles, Haitham discusses how he came to achieve his position as CEO and whether he draws on these past experiences in order to help him in his role. He notes that his international experience is invaluable and uses this to lead Ras Al Khaimah’s destination marketing and growth strategy. With his education qualifications mostly being obtained abroad, it is clear Haitham has a wealth of experience in international marketing and brands. “With over 25 years of experience in global destination and hospitality management, I have held senior roles with leading global brands, including Marriott, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Hilton Worldwide. As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Hilton Worldwide, I was responsible for over 130 hotels and managed a 240-plus strong team across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Russia. During this time, I was able to sharpen my aptitude in hospitality, travel and tourism, so it was a natural progression into my current role at RAKTDA. “As CEO of RAKTDA, I use my international experience to lead Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development plan, destination marketing and growth strategy. Ras Al Khaimah is achieving sustainable growth in visitor numbers and netting a growing share of the global outbound tourism market. I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Central Florida and an MBA in marketing from the University of Liverpool, having completed a thesis on the sustainability of tourism in Dubai.” The outcome when approaching a new client or project is crucial for any CEO of any business. Haitham must therefore ensure that the needs of everyone involved in new projects are met. He explains what steps he takes to guarantee this, including conducting research before