Receives record number of visitors

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA) announced on Sunday a 14 per cent increase in visitor numbers in Q3, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

According to recent statistics, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors in its third quarter.

Recognised as one of the fastest growing emirates, reports show record growth across key indicators including hotel guests, room revenues, 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.”

Hotels in the emirate reported significant growth in total revenues of Dhs36.7 million ($10 million), up by 22 per cent from Q3, 2014; and a 14 per cent increase in occupancy rates. The hotels also record an increase in room revenues of 31 per cent to Dhs123.7 million ($33.7 million) and a 36 per cent increase in revenue per available room to Dhs289.91 ($78.93). The average daily rate growth of 19 per cent also witnessed. F&B revenues registered a significant growth of Dhs67.9 million ($18.5m), up by 10 per cent from Q3,2014.

"We are enjoying impressive economic growth under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and the Council Member, 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 Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah TDA.

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 The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of 1 million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority aims to develop the emirate's tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a leading destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Ras Al Khaimah's Tourism Development Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate's tourism and hospitality industry.

Source: The Gulf Today