The UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors during the third quarter of the year, recording a 14 per cent increase in visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2014.

Recognised as one of the fastest growing emirates, reports show record growth across key indicators including hotel guests, room revenues, food and beverage (F&B) revenues and occupancy rates.

Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: "These figures are extremely encouraging as we work towards our target of one million visitors by the end of 2018. We continue to nurture growth from our top five source markets, including the UAE, Germany, UK, Russia and India. As the destination gains global appeal, we plan to steadily diversify our source markets through strategic global partnership with leading industry stakeholders, repositioning the emirate on the world tourism stage.”

Compared to the same period in 2014, hotels in the emirate reported:

•    Significant growth in total revenues of Dh36.7 million ($10 million), up by 22 per cent on Q3 2014;
•    A 14 per cent increase in occupancy rates, up from 51 per cent to 58 per cent in 2015;
•    Record increase in room revenues of 31 per cent to Dh123.7 million ($33.7 million);
•    A 36 per cent increase in revenue per available room to Dh289.91 ($78.93);
•    Average daily rate growth of 19 per cent on Q3 2014;
•    Significant growth in F&B revenues to Dh67.9 million ($18.5 million), up by 10 per cent on Q3 2014.

“We are enjoying impressive economic growth under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, with the emirate already providing new and unique opportunities in tourism and trade. As the emirate continues with its expansion plans to meet ambitious growth targets, we continue to diversify our rich offering through developing retail, dining, cruise, entertainment, and Mice facilities, to further build Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a leading destination for business and leisure,” said Mattar.

Year-to-date the UAE remains a key source market for Ras Al Khaimah at 49 per cent, showing continued sustainable growth. Germany remains the number one international inbound market with the UK moving up to second place, overtaking Russia for international visitors. Russia remains strong at 4.6 per cent whilst India shows signs of steady growth at 4.3 per cent. – TradeArabia News Service