TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced stellar visitor figures for 2019 with arrivals up almost 4 per cent to 1.12 million and RevPAR recorded at an impressive $114.90, amongst the highest in the region. This was reflected by the strong yearly occupancy rates, averaging at 74 per cent.
Last year’s inbound growth was spurred by the variety of activities undertaken by the emirate, inclusive of the launch of the Jais Sky Tour, and hosting of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Tough
Mudder and the prestigious UAE Tour. In addition, corporate activity and M!CE participation further contributed to the growth in visitor numbers, with
RAKTDA conducting 122 familiarisation trips, participating at 20 exhibitions and completing 34 roadshows across 16 countries. Cementing its market presence, a further 63 workshops were held across in 12 countries, with the UK, Germany, Russia, CIS, Nordics, Central and East Europe retaining their positions as key target markets. Growth in footfall from these key source markets was also noted, with visitors from Russia, India and Kazakhstan up by 13 per cent, 10.5 per cent and 15 per cent respectively, in comparison to 2018 figures.
Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, commented, “2019 was a positive year
for Ras Al Khaimah, as we saw increased footfall from key markets resulting in the overall arrival growth of almost 4 per cent. Ras Al Khaimah is in the midst of its threeyear destination strategy which aims to broaden its reach through increased segmentation. A key focus has been on higher yield visitors such as M!CE delegates, as well as prioritising sustainable nature-based adventure and culture driven activities and experiences.”
2020 kicked off with key trade events that showcased the emirates’ offerings to international industry leaders and delegates from the travel and hospitality sector including FESPO in Switzerland and Vakantiebeurs 2020. This year’s busy calendar will see RAKTDA mark its trade debuts at IBTM in Barcelona in November, ITB Berlin and IMEX Frankfurt, a major M!CE event in Germany,
between May 12-14.
RAKTDA is targetting 1.5 million visitors by 2021, supporting which the emirate has identified the supply of new hotel rooms as a primary focus moving forward.
