Ras Al Khaimah mice sector to receive boost through training workshop

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority hosted its first MICE training workshop of the year last week, at Al Hamra Convention Centre, Ras Al Khaimah. The workshop provided tourism industry professionals with insights into the emirate’s plans to support the development and expansion of its MICE sector in 2016 and beyond.

The programme, which was put in place to encourage professionals to maximise business tourism opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah, was attended by over 70 senior managers from the local tourism industry, government entities and leading destination management companies  from across the UAE.

Attendees had the chance to learn more about  where the opportunities exist for Ras Al Khaimah to capitalise on this lucrative segment of the tourism industry. A number of competitor destinations were also profiled as part of the comprehensive INHOCO Group study on the potential of MICE tourism in Ras Al Khaimah that the Tourism Development Authority, Carl Palmlund and Jan Rienermann from INHOCO Group presented on the day. Attendees also learnt about the emirate’s current offering for the MICE sector, the opportunities for incentive-led product development in  culture, wellness and adventure and attendees had the opportunity to network with key players in the MICE sector during the organised networking session.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “As we work towards our Vision of reaching one million visitors by the end of 2018, we are placing a huge focus on growing the emirate’s MICE product. The MICE sector is worth $150 billion globally and is growing at  an annual rate of 20 percent. This very attractive segment  is key to ensuring a balanced mix in our visitor profile and is a core element of our strategy to attract high yield visitors to Ras Al Khaimah and we are keen to capitalise on this.”