Ras Al Khaimah’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy

Included in Time magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2022 and CNN Travel’s best destinations to visit in 2023, Ras Al Khaimah is a unique destination that offers visitors the chance to experience natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the majestic Hajar mountains, pristine beaches to the Al Wadi Desert and nature reserve, there is no shortage of outdoor activities and attractions to explore in the Nature Emirate.

On a mission to not only protect its natural assets, but also engage the growing cohort of responsible travellers, Ras Al Khaimah has set its sights on becoming a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. Underpinning this ambition is a ‘Balanced Tourism’ approach, with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and multiple government and private stakeholders, known as the ‘Green Team’, working together to nurture a tourism industry that is economically, environmentally, culturally and socially sustainable.

It builds on the foundation of the emirate’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy, successfully launched in September 2021 by RAKTDA and the Green Team in association with EarthCheck, the leading certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism organisations globally.

With sustainable, balanced, and focused developments at the heart of its strategies, the Emirate’s ambition is to nurture a tourism industry that is economically, environmentally, socially sustainable and supports liveability for its citizens and workforce, while conserving and enhancing its unique environment. With the strategy setting out a clear roadmap for sustainability implementation plans, two major programmes were launched in partnership with EarthCheck, according to its global guidelines, standards and certifications.

Destination Certification

Destination Certification aims to achieve sustainable certification for Ras Al Khaimah as a destination, boosting traveller confidence in the emirate’s commitment to sustainable and high-quality tourism experiences, and Responsible RAK is a Tourism Business Accreditation Programme for tourism companies, from hotels to attractions, with both initiatives on track to reach major milestones by the end of 2023.

EarthCheck’s Company and Destination Standards are approved by the Global Tourism Council and its carbon accounting methodology has been approved by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Ras Al Khaimah received Bronze Certification in March 2023, which similar to Responsible RAK, acknowledged the destination’s data collection and monitoring efforts. In May 2023, a week-long destination audit took place with a view to awarding Silver Certification if standards are met.

The certification standards include the effective formation of the destination’s Green Team, and a commitment to policy, benchmarking, compliance, and communication.

Destination Standard certifications are also upgraded every five years based on audits and strict criteria being met. In addition to EarthCheck compliance, RAKTDA and its Green Team continue to review the Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy and ‘Balanced Tourism’ approach, publicly promoting the policies to all stakeholders, the public, employees, customers and visitors, and suppliers of goods and services to the destination. Since August 2022, RAKTDA has been working with EarthCheck to establish an ECSE policy and to benchmark the destination across several criteria, including:

BENCHMARKING CRITERIAS

Energy efficiency conservation and management

This involves strategies to reduce energy consumption, improve energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy sources, with key elements including energy audits and assessments and the implementation of energy efficient technologies and practices; promoting energy efficient building design; adopting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions; and educating the community about energy saving and conservation behaviours.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions management aims to reduce the release of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Benchmarking elements include conducting an inventory to identify major emission sources and set reduction targets; implementing measures to reduce emissions from energy production, transportation, industry, and waste management; promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources and phasing out the use of fossil fuels; encouraging measures to reduce energy consumption; and supporting projects to offset emissions such as reforestation, afforestation, or investments in renewable energy projects.

Air quality protection

This focuses on measures to combat air pollution and promote clean and healthy air for the community. It involves implementing initiatives to control and reduce emissions from industrial activities, transportation, and other sources of air pollution; monitoring air quality levels, enforcing regulations, and ensuring compliance with air quality standards; encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies and practices to minimise air pollution, such as low-emission vehicles and cleaner industrial processes; and educating the community about the importance of air quality.

Management of freshwater resources

To ensure water resources are available now and in the future, effective management encompasses promoting water conservation practices such as efficient irrigation systems, water-saving fixtures, and public awareness campaigns on water conservation; protecting and restoring natural watersheds, wetlands, and water bodies to maintain water quality, regulate water flow, and support biodiversity; implementing efficient water supply and distribution systems to minimise water losses; promoting the use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation; and encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable irrigation and water use techniques.

Wastewater management

Criteria involved in the safe and effective treatment and disposal of wastewater to protect public health and the environment includes establishing and maintaining wastewater treatment plants or decentralised treatment systems to treat sewage and wastewater; strategies to reuse treated wastewater for non-potable purposes; managing the nutrient content in wastewater to minimise the release of harmful substances into water bodies; regular inspection and maintenance of sewage systems to prevent leaks, blockages, or overflows that may lead to pollution; and community education on the importance of proper wastewater disposal.

Ecosystem conservation and management

This focuses on preserving and protecting natural ecosystems and their biodiversity while promoting sustainable land-use practices. It requires establishing and managing protected areas to conserve unique ecosystems, habitats, and species; implementing measures to protect and restore biodiversity; undertaking restoration projects to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems; promoting sustainable land management practices; recognising the value of ecosystem services; incorporating indigenous and traditional knowledge systems into ecosystem management; raising community awareness and engaging stakeholders in ecosystem conservation; and monitoring the effectiveness of ecosystem conservation efforts.

Transport

Transport management promotes sustainable and efficient transportation systems that minimise environmental impact and support community requirements, encouraging the use of public transport; promoting cycling and other forms of active transportation by providing relevant and safe infrastructure; supporting the development and adoption of low-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, and promoting car-sharing and ridesharing programmes; implementing intelligent transportation systems, traffic calming measures, and efficient traffic-flow planning to reduce congestion and emissions; and integrating transportation planning with land-use planning.

Solid waste management

With the efficient and environmentally responsible handling, treatment and disposal of solid waste a challenge, benchmarking criteria includes promoting waste reduction at the source through education and awareness programmes, encouraging recycling practices, and supporting the development of a recycling infrastructure. It also involves implementing effective waste separation programmes to facilitate recycling and divert waste from landfill; encouraging composting, collection and treatment methods for organic waste; exploring opportunities for waste-to-energy conversion; and introducing measures to minimise the environmental impact of landfills.

Cultural and social management

Preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and social well-being of the community is particularly important to tourism industry sustainability. Effective management includes protecting and preserving cultural sites, historical buildings, traditional practices, and intangible cultural heritage to maintain the community's identity and heritage; encouraging community participation in decision-making processes; enhancing cultural awareness and understanding through educational programmes and events; supporting the development of social infrastructure; and adopting socially responsible practices, such as fair trade, ethical sourcing, and community engagement initiatives.

Economic management

Sustainable economic development within the community involves promoting a diverse range of industries and economic activities to reduce dependency on a single sector and enhance resilience. Helping local businesses to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the local economy is key, as is implementing sustainable tourism practices that minimise negative environmental and socio-cultural impact and maximise local economic benefits. Local sourcing and procurement practices should be prioritised, as well as skills training programmes, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering employment opportunities to enhance economic prosperity and social well-being.

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTS

Sustainability is at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s investment and development strategy, prioritising the environment, culture, conservation and communities, and committed to ensuring a resilient industry and an authentic, high-quality sustainable tourism experience.

Become a leader in sustainable tourism in the Gulf region

Led by RAKTDA and the Destination Green Team, Ras Al Khaimah will take concerted action to become the regional leader in sustainable tourism, driving implementation by leading by example.

We will seek sustainable tourism destination accreditation for Ras Al Khaimah, providing a framework for action by tourism stakeholders.

Protect and enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural and natural heritage

We will promote Ras Al Khaimah’s unique environment and rich culture to all visitors. RAKTDA will embed sustainable tourism principles within its Destination Strategy and work with partners to ensure appropriate management frameworks are in place for key environments, precincts, and habitats.

Embracing sustainable construction principles will ensure that new tourism development complements and adds value to Ras Al Khaimah’s heritage and natural environments.

Grow the sustainable economic benefits of tourism to Ras Al Khaimah

We will work with business, government, and community partners to ensure economic returns to Ras Al Khaimah from tourism investment and visitor expenditure are maximized.

We aim to develop human capital through job satisfaction, equal employment opportunities, employing locally based talent, secure employment, retention of income in the local economy, and increasing expenditure per capita.

Additionally, source goods and services locally where possible considering that they do not have a negative environmental, social or economic impact.

Benchmark and report on the sustainable tourism performance of the Ras Al Khaimah tourism industry

We will commit to regular measurement and benchmarking of key environmental, economic, and cultural tourism indicators through EarthCheck as the basis for making informed management decisions.

Deliver authentic and high-quality sustainable tourism experiences which align with Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism brand and market positioning

We will work with key stakeholders to develop tourism experiences to the highest standards and deliver the destination’s brand promise to visitors. Sustainable development and management principles will be integrated with development from the outset.

In delivering tourism services, we will work across the destination to minimize energy and water usage and waste generation, as outlined in Ras Al Khaimah’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040

We will work with tourism businesses to ensure that the industry is an active contributor toward meeting Ras Al Khaimah’s national commitments on water, energy, waste, and emissions.

Priorities building improved tourism industry resilience

We will work with industry and government partners to support increased economic and environmental resilience.

Our vision is for an industry well-equipped to thrive in rapidly changing economic, social, and environmental circumstances.

spect and support for local culture and communities

We will seek opportunities to celebrate, respect, and safeguard local culture and traditions, as part of a growing range of high-quality visitor experiences as drivers of visitor demand.

Support and Contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals

We will work towards contributing to the United Nations’ (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals through the destination’s approach to sustainable development.

Additionally, comply with all relevant national and international environmental and sustainability agreements and policies, such as the APEC PATA Code for Sustainable Tourism.

Responsible RAK

This programme, developed according to EarthCheck’s Company Standards, is designed to help tourism businesses attain an internationally recognised sustainability certification. To date, more than 20 tourism businesses in Ras Al Khaimah, ranging from attractions to hotels, have been awarded EarthCheck’s Bronze Certification.

This has required each business to collect data, track business performance, identify critical issues and benchmark across criteria including energy use, water use, carbon emissions, community and employee impact, paper use, waste, and handling of hazardous materials.

Businesses were also required to develop mandatory documents such as sustainability policy, waste management plans, risk assessment, and action plans, creating a strong foundation for their data collection/benchmarking methodology, which can then be fine-tuned to help them make better decisions and track improvements in the future.

The Bronze Certification was awarded in recognition of the work that has gone into data collection and reporting. Silver Certification will be awarded when the entire process is completed And verified by an independent Earth-Check-authorised auditor.

With Responsible RAK designed to ensure consistency, commitment and continued improvement with regards to sustainability across all tourism businesses, the aim is to upgrade the certification level every five years, with Silver in years 1-4; Gold in years 5-9; Platinum in years 10-14; and Master in year 15-plus.

Audits for Silver Certification were conducted from May to July 2023 with those who meet criteria anticipated to be certified in the second half of the year. The audit process involves the auditor visiting the company undergoing certification, reviewing their documentation, conducting a tour of the facilities, and interviewing the personnel involved. This process must be repeated annually or biannually for companies to renew their certification.