Haitham Mattar has been recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to the Travel & Tourism Industry by the World Travel Awards.

The leading hospitality figurehead completed a successful stint as chief executive of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority last year.

Recently taking up a new position as a senior advisor to the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, Matter is hoping to use his expertise to develop the sector in the kingdom.

Speaking Breaking Travel News, he said: “This is very humbling for me, to take a global award at this level, recognising my efforts, and my contribution to tourism.

“I have a great deal of passion for hospitality and tourism.”

Recently taking up a new position as a senior advisor to the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, Matter is hoping to use his expertise to develop the sector in the kingdom.

Mattar was presented with the trophy by World Travel Awards founder, Graham Cooke, and Amy Kitchingman from Breaking Travel News.