Phillipa Harrison became chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in September 2025, moving from a national tourism organisation to one of the world’s most closely watched emerging destinations. Her appointment placed an experienced international marketer in charge just as the emirate entered a major hotel and attraction cycle.
Harrison spent eight years at Tourism Australia and served as managing director from 2019. Her tenure included bushfires, border closures and the long rebuilding of international aviation after the pandemic. She also brought earlier commercial and marketing experience from the travel sector, giving her an understanding of both destination promotion and the businesses expected to convert demand.
Harrison spent eight years at Tourism Australia and served as managing director from 2019. Her tenure included bushfires, border closures and the long rebuilding of international aviation after the pandemic. She also brought earlier commercial and marketing experience from the travel sector, giving her an understanding of both destination promotion and the businesses expected to convert demand.