- As 2022 is nearing a close, how did this year turn out for your destination?
We have achieved our highest visitor numbers since Covid-19 with a return to pre-pandemic figures from 2019 putting us firmly on track to reach our target 1.11 million arrivals by the end of the year. We have opened the first Mövenpick and InterContinental properties in the Emirate and launched Jais Sledder, the longest toboggan ride in the region on Jebel Jais. Since opening in February 2022, Jais Sledder welcomed over 100,000 visitors and was named by TIME Magazine, as one of the 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022.
The Emirate also announced the biggest foreign direct tourism investment project with the partnership between Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding to open a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort development on Al Marjan Island.
Ras Al Khaimah has made significant strides in strengthening its MICE offering. The Emirate has hosted several prestigious international and regional events including the Arab Aviation Summit for two consecutive years, the Global Citizen Forum’s acclaimed annual summit leading to a three-year partnership and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) for the first time in the Middle East. Other prestigious events hosted in the Emirate include Schweizer Reise-Verband’s (Swiss Travel Association’s) first annual General Assembly since the pandemic, World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s International Start-up Innovation Summit and The Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents of the Czech Republic (ACCKA).
We have also expanded our connectivity with the addition of several new direct flight routes from Europe and India with IndiGo and currently developing our cruise visitors welcoming three maiden calls by end of 2022.
- What sales and marketing strategies worked for you in 2022, especially in the Indian market?
We organised roadshows this year in key cities in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad to introduce the destination, our hotels and attractions to leading Indian trade partners. Our robust marketing communication strategy together with an active B2B outreach in India worked well with driving visibility for Ras Al Khaimah as an unmatched nature driven destination with unique offerings. In addition to organising dedicated FAM trips to the destination, we have also expanded our MICE efforts with focused events and partnerships with key wedding tradeshows such as the Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC) in India, which Ras Al Khaimah will be hosting in March 2023.
- How much have tourist arrivals from India into Ras Al-Khaimah increased in the past five years? What are the main reasons behind this increase?
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority recently announced its highest visitor numbers since Covid-19, with the Emirate reporting visitor arrival numbers in line with pre-pandemic footfall. The impressive performance saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome over 914K visitors between January and October 2022, a total increase of 14.5% comparing to 2021 and a return to pre-pandemic figures. India has contributed to these visitor numbers in the past five years and the country remains in the top 5 source markets for Ras Al Khaimah.
Conveniently located 45-minutes away from Dubai International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah is the fastest growing Emirate, gaining popularity amongst Indian travellers owing to the destinations’ nature, adventure, pearl history and traditional souks offerings as well as world-class hotels suitable for all budgets. The Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has also been operating direct flights to India over the past years, and has recently launched direct flights to Mumbai with IndiGo.
- Which are your top performing source markets post pandemic?
CIS, UAE, India, Germany, UK and central Europe are the key source markets for Ras Al Khaimah.
Expectations 2023
Our natural assets form the backbone of the destination’s key values, and their protection is a key focus. We adopted a mindful approach when it comes to new hotel developments, consulting with hospitality partners to ensure spacious venues, with thoughtful, sustainable landscaping, and maintaining a measured pipeline. This includes two lodges on Jebel Jais including Earth Hotels Altitude, an eco-based pop-up hotel concept set to feature 16 fully fitted accommodation units, an activation centre and swimming pool opening end of 2023. Saij Mountain Lodge, opening in Q1 2024, will comprise of 70 luxury lodges and provide a pure mountain retreat that focuses on nature as well as mind, body and soul with guided treks, mindful pursuits and creative experiences.
Balanced Tourism
Balanced Tourism is something we are firmly embracing as an Emirate. Our goal is to nurture a tourism industry that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable, and supports quality of life for our citizens and workforce, while conserving our unique environment. With this goal in mind, we have committed half a billion dirham investment (USD 136M) to ensure that we are developing attractions with purpose that will enhance our natural environment. We are also investing in Cultural Conservation, with four tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Our ability to attract investments in the tourism and hospitality sector is aligned with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 to bolster new investment to the sector with a view to attracting 40 million hotel guests across the UAE. Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, we anticipate over 5,600 keys by 2026.
