The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has said that 2023 has been the best year for its tourism, as the emirate within the United Arab Emirates welcomed a record 1.22 million overnight arrivals.
That figure represents an 8 percent increase on 2022 figures and follows a significant 24 percent year-on-year growth in international visitors.
The emirate's international air connectivity was boosted with the introduction of flights operated by Qatar Airways, IndiGo, Smart Wings, Centrum Air and SmartLynx.
With India being a major tourism source market for Ras Al Khaimah, particularly for leisure, incentives and weddings, IndiGo's introduction of a direct service from Hyderabad, coupled with its direct flight to Mumbai, helped increase the number of visitors.
Regarding the emirate's maritime connectivity, Ras Al Khaimah received six calls of four luxury cruise ships in the first half of 2023 and will receive 14 calls of luxury cruise ships this 2023/2024 season, increasing to 20 in 2025/2026 and 50 in 2030/2031. .
To support the growth in overnight arrivals, several new hotel projects were announced in Ras Al Khaimah in 2023, including Nobu, Le Méridien, W Hotels, JW Marriott & Hilton on Al Marjan Island, as well as Nikki Beach in Mina Al Arab, representing more than 1,800 keys in total.
The destination also welcomed the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, which fully opened its doors on January 2, 2024 with 174 rooms, suites and villas, including the emirate's first overwater villas. In addition, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah reopened its doors after extensive renovations.
Other upcoming hotel projects, including Westin Resort (257 keys), Sofitel Al Hamra (292 keys), Rove Al Marjan Island (441 keys), Rotana Mangrove (258 keys) and Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge (70 keys), are ready. to open during 2024 and 2025.
Future-proof Ras Al Khaimah plan to grow by avoiding overtourism
Design details were also revealed for the new $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, featuring a 1,500-key megaresort inspired by the seascape of the four Al Marjan islands. The integrated complex will feature shops, a gaming area, an events centre, spa and wellness facilities and 24 dining and lounge experiences.
The hotel occupancy rate in the emirate grew significantly in 2023, with occupancy at 74 percent, representing a year-on-year growth of 12 percent.
Raki Phillips, chief executive of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “It has been a great year for our emirate, which clearly laid the foundation for sustainable growth and development in Ras Al Khaimah. “Despite the global challenges that have impacted our industry, we remained agile and resilient as a tourism community, working together to deliver a destination offering that resonated with both our visitors and our residents.”
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(Image: Provided by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority)
