Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has achieved a remarkable milestone, recording its highest-ever half-year arrival figures. Between January and June 2023, this scenic Emirate welcomed a staggering 600,000 visitors, marking a substantial 14.8% surge compared to H1 2022. Notably, this period also witnessed the highest tourism-related revenue ever generated during a half-year period. This extraordinary performance underscores Ras Al Khaimah’s growing prominence as a premier travel destination.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism’s International Tourism Soars
One of the standout achievements of this exceptional half-year is the resurgence of international tourism, accounting for more than 52% of all visitor arrivals. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has taken significant strides toward becoming a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. It proudly secured Silver Certification, making it the Middle East’s first EarthCheck-certified tourism board.
Expanding Aviation Connectivity
Ras Al Khaimah’s aviation strategy has received a substantial boost through its partnership with Qatar Airways, providing direct access to the Emirate via Qatar Airways’ extensive global network spanning 150+ countries.
Strengthening European Ties
The Emirate has also made significant inroads in European markets. An agreement with FTI GROUP, a leading European outbound tour operator, has been linked to boost inbound traffic from Germany, one of the top five visitor source markets.
Unveiling Mega Tourism Investments
Ras Al Khaimah unveiled its vision for the USD $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, marking the largest foreign direct tourism investment project in the region. The grand opening is scheduled for early 2027.
Surging Demand for Accommodations
The demand for accommodations has surged, with a year-on-year growth rate of +33.6%, attributed to the addition of new hotel brands in the Emirate in 2022. Notable additions to the growing hotel portfolio include Earth Hotels, Le Meridien, and Nobu Hotels, with plans to double the number of guest rooms in the coming years.
Luxury Cruise Visits
Ras Al Khaimah has attracted luxury cruise liners, with six calls by four luxury cruise liners in the first half of the year, welcoming over 2,500 passengers and crew.
Boosting MICE Tourism
The Emirate has also been actively focusing on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market, with a 26% increase in MICE room nights compared to H1 2022. It has hosted several significant events, including the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour, and Exotic Wedding Planners Conference (EWPC).
Enhancing the Wedding Destination Experience
Ras Al Khaimah has elevated its status as a wedding destination with the introduction of civil law marriage licenses and new wedding incentives and certification programs. These initiatives are set to bolster the Emirate’s position as a preferred wedding destination.
Recognitions and Digital Initiatives
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, has earned accolades, being named one of Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders and Businessperson of the Year by Arabian Business.
The Emirate has also launched ‘Get More,’ a cutting-edge digital-first summer campaign, garnering over half a billion impressions and more than 2.5 million clicks, surpassing industry benchmarks.
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