RAK welcomes 600K visitors in 6 months

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 600,000 visitors between January and June this year, a 14.8 per cent increase vis a vis the same period last year, and generated the highest ever tourism-related revenue for a half-year period, setting a new record, announces Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKDA).

Reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a destination of the future, the results follow a series of strategic investments, partnerships and initiatives to boost tourism, setting a path for continued growth in 2023 and beyond.

Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, launched ‘Get More’, a brand-new digital-first summer campaign, which generated more than half a billion impressions and over 2.5 million clicks, exceeding industry benchmarks. “2023 is shaping up to be the emirate’s best year to date, with our first half results proving the efficacy of moving fast, staying relevant and just getting things done,” he said. “It’s essential we remain agile and continue to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering and create diverse and inspiring experiences for all. We have big ambitions and are confident that we will exceed our targets for 2023,” he added.

First half achievements include:

• International tourism rebound accounting for over 52 per cent of all visitor arrivals.
• Took a step closer to becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority achieved Silver Certification, becoming the first EarthCheck certified tourism board in the Middle East.
• Expanded its aviation strategy by partnering with Qatar Airways to leverage its 150+ country global network to provide direct access to the emirate.
• Signed an agreement with FTI GROUP, one of Europe’s leading outbound tour operators, to drive inbound traffic from Germany and increase visitation from one of the emirate’s top five visitor source markets.
• Unveiled the design vision for the US $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, the largest foreign direct tourism investment project, set to open in early 2027.
• Significant increase in demand (room nights) with year on year growth of +33.6, thanks to the addition of new hotel brands in the emirate in 2022.
• Announced the addition of Earth Hotels, Le Meridien and Nobu Hotels to its growing hotel portfolio.
• Received six calls by four luxury cruise liners, welcoming over 2,500 passengers and crew.
• Increased M!CE room nights by 26 per cent vis a vis H1 2022 driven by international incentive groups.
• Hosted several key events, including the 16th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour and Exotic Wedding Planners Conference (EWPC).
• Held the official draw for the region’s first ever WMF Minifootball World Cup, taking place from 26 October to 4 November 2023.
• Introduced civil law marriage licenses, and new wedding incentive and certification programs to bolster
  the emirate’s position as a wedding destination.