Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) reported unprecedented growth in its March tourism figures, with hotel occupancy rates reaching 80.3 per cent, up 13.3 per cent on March 2015, it was announced at the Arabian Travel market (ATM) being held in Dubai.

Furthermore, Rev PAR for March 2016 also increased by 14.1 per cent compared to the same period last year while visitor numbers to RAK in March were up 7 per cent on March 2015.

In the first quarter of 2016, Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels reported an occupancy rate of 71.3 per cent, up by 17.7 per cent on Q1 2015. Coupled with a 9.2 per cent year-on-year increase in RevPAR, this demonstrates the highest growth across the GCC.

“Ras Al Khaimah attracts visitors from a wide range of source markets. Our top markets include the UAE, Germany, UK, Russia and India. But as a result of our trade missions and industry partnerships, we are now seeing an increase in visitors from new markets such as China, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, we have implemented a new leadership structure to deliver on our new strategy, and we are working in close partnership with our hotel and government stakeholders. We have gained considerable momentum, and this will only continue as we focus our efforts investing in our tourism offering,” said Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
 
Mattar also unveiled a new destination video and rebranding campaign. Together with the new creative strategy, global partnerships and fresh products are some of the additional highlights being showcased on the Ras Al Khaimah stand (ME3510) from April 25 to 28.

“This time last year, we were preparing to embark on a transformational 12 months for Ras Al Khaimah”, said Mattar. “After commencing extensive research last summer, we released the first ‘Tourism Strategy’ for the emirate: a three year roadmap for delivering our new vision. Today, the Arabian Travel Market provides the perfect platform to showcase our new brand and reveal the unique gems of our destination.”

To reach its target of one million visitors by the end of 2018, Ras Al Khaimah TDA has made impressive strides in initiating strategic partnerships with airlines and tour operators over the last 12 months. Collaborations were signed with Thomas Cook, FTI, Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways and Air India Express. New representation offices were also opened in India, Russia and the UK, with even more offices planned for China and Saudi Arabia.
    
All of these milestones have led to positive growth trends as shown by the latest tourism figures.

The destination currently offers over 5,000 hotel rooms across 41 properties, with more than 3,000 rooms in the pipeline across 12 properties by 2019.

As part of further plans to enhance the destination, Ras Al Khaimah TDA is also investing in world-class events and tourism products. Opening this year will be a series of new tourism offerings centred on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, including a Via Ferrata, zipline and five-star mountain camp and viewing deck.

Mattar added: “Our new brand positioning emphasises Ras Al Khaimah’s natural assets, luxurious indulgence, range of activities for different types of travellers, history and culture, and authentic Arabian heritage offering.”
Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah’s stand at ATM this year will be able to learn more about these offerings, enter competitions to discover the destination and also try their hand at golf with the Ras Al Khaimah TDA golf simulator, the first of its kind in the UAE." - TradeArabia News Service