Haitham Mattar has been recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to the Travel & Tourism Industry by the World Travel Awards.
With over 25 years of experience in destination development, marketing and promotions, the leading tourism and hospitality figurehead completed a successful four-year stint as chief executive of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority last year.
Mattar’s cross-continent experience and valuable global insights allowed him to effectively lead Ras Al Khaimah’s destination growth strategy, through capturing existing and emerging source market movements and international tourism trends.
He was also instrumental in the concept and delivery of globally recognised tourism demand generators in the emirate including Jebel Jais Flight: the world’s longest zipline and the region’s first Via Ferrata.
Mattar was elected as vice chair of the UNWTO Board of Affiliate Members as well as being appointed as a member of the steering committee for the UNWTO International Year for Sustainable Development in Tourism.
Recently taking up a new position as a senior advisor to the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, Mattar is hoping to use his knowledge and expertise to support the SCTH’s efforts in developing…
