Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has appointed Vishal Bhatia as India Market Director, a strategic move to reinforce its commitment to expanding the emirate’s presence in the India market.
Based in Mumbai, Bhatia will be responsible for leading RAKTDA’s strategy and operations across the Indian market to position the brand as a destination of choice for Indian travellers. He will be responsible for strengthening brand’s business relations to accelerate its growth in India.
A seasoned expert with a track record of success
Bhatia joins with more than two decades of expertise in the travel and tourism business, having led market development initiatives, and driven sustainable visitor growth across India. He served as Country Manager at VisitBritain, where he played an important role in shaping the UK’s tourism strategy in the Indian market.
Over his tenure, he managed integrated market strategies, executed effective B2B and consumer campaigns, and built significant collaborations to strengthen Britain’s brand position. His market insights, people leadership, and collaborative mindset were critical to maximising India’s tourism potential.
Key responsibilities and strategic vision
On his appointment, Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Destination Tourism Development, RAKTDA, said, “Vishal’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to see strong growth from India. With his deep understanding of the market and relevant expertise, he will support our efforts to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal among Indian travellers as a year-round destination. He will also play a key role in tapping into the destination wedding segment, which continues to show promising potential for the Emirate.”
Bhatia’s vision for the India market
Commenting on his new role, Bhatia said, “Joining RAKTDA presents a meaningful opportunity to build on the growing interest Ras Al Khaimah is receiving from India. My focus will be on strengthening trade and consumer engagement, increasing awareness across key cities, and unlocking opportunities across diverse segments. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth from this important market.”
