Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Adopts A Balanced Tourism Approach To Lead To Sustainability

Unveiled at the ongoing Arabian travel market in 2022, the vision determines the Emirate's leadership in conscious tourism.

Ras Al Khaimah, Tourism Development Authority, is set to undertake a bold new approach to sustainability—balanced Tourism—a key milestone in its strategy for driving overall sector growth and becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. 

Under Balanced Tourism, the Authority is trying to shape tourism in the UAE by simply placing all critical aspects of sustainability at the centre of its investment and development strategy. Thus, avoiding issues surrounding tourism, such as overdevelopment, crowding of heritage sites, and spoiling its distinctive natural environment, creates a destination that resonates with today's responsible travellers.

In September 2021, Balanced Tourism follows the Authority's declaration of its sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy to secure the Emirate's long-term sustainability and drive overall growth through four key pillars: Sustainable development, Cultural Conservation, Attractions Built with purpose and Community and Liveability. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, "The need for good stewardship of our cultural heritage, environment, people and infrastructure has never been stronger, especially in post-pandemic times. Balanced Tourism does precisely that as we become ever-mindful of the economic, social and environmental impacts on tourists. Simply put, it is time to move beyond just using less plastic and adopting an all-inclusive approach from ensuring new projects such as hotels are developed at an organised pace to building new attractions with sustainability at their core."

 Conservation of the Culture

The integrated approach also consists of cultural conservation; additionally, being the most fortified Emirate with over 65 forts due to its relevance as a trade route, RAK houses four archaeological sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list more than any other Emirate. The Authority has maintained a long-term investment plan to protect and enhance these and other critical cultural projects. This consists of Suwaidi Pearls Farm, the only site in the UAE that cultivates local pearls, all done by hand to preserve the Emirate's culture and traditions. It has also embarked on a phased restoration program at Jazirah Al Hamra, one of the last surviving pearl diving and safeguarding towns in the Arabian Gulf. Scheduled to be completed in 2025, experts are working in line with UNESCO guidelines for restoring traditional and sustainable materials to make it accessible to the public as an attractive destination.

 Spots with Purpose

With the balanced Tourism platform, all upcoming attractions will be purpose-built with sustainability standards and processes. Travellers can expect environmentally conscious development around Jebel Jais and more than 20 new sustainable tourism initiatives developed all across the Emirate. One example is the Scallop Ranch at Al Hamra Marine, a first-of-its-kind attraction in the UAE that supports and enhances understanding of the marine ecosystem with seagrasses and sea cucumber species within the farm.

 Community and Liveability

Additionally, RAK Tourism Authority embraces liveability as part of its balanced Tourism ethos. This consists of many policies in place to promote employee well-being. The Authority has also launched RAKFAM, a series of initiatives to enrich connectivity, community life, and facilities for Emirate tourism sector employees.

Providing a framework for action all across a diverse programme of activity, with the guiding principles include-

• Safeguarding and enhancing the Emirate's cultural and natural heritage
• Delivering new sustainable tourism developments
• We work with business, government and community partners to ensure economic return from tourism investment and human capital development.