1.22 million visitors reached Ras Al...

Record visitor numbers represent an 8% increase on 2022

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has reported a record year for tourism in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the emirates that makes up the UAE welcoming a record 1.22 million overnight arrivals in 2023.

The performance is underscored by RAKTDA’s strategic growth plans. From investment in tourism infrastructure and targeted initiatives to drive more visitors, to developing an ecosystem rooted in sustainability, Ras Al Khaimah continues to reinforce its position as a destination of the future.

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

Commenting on Ras Al Khaimah’s performance, RAKTDA CEO Raki Phillips said: “It has been a great year for our Emirate, one that clearly set the groundwork for sustainable growth and development in Ras Al Khaimah.

From investing in infrastructure and staging world-class events to making our emirate sustainable and accessible to all, Ras Al Khaimah is firmly on the path for continued success in 2024 and beyond.”

Key achievements in 2023 include:

A 24% increase in international visitors, supported by over 2,200 international activities from roadshows, trade fairs to media events across 30 countries
Cemented status as a business and social events hub with a 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in revenue from weddings
Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s world-leading Sustainable Destinations programme – the only destination in the Middle East to receive this level of certification alongside more than 20 tourism partners from hotels and attractions
Boosted international air connectivity with the introduction of direct flights with Qatar Airways, Indian carrier IndiGo’s, Smart Wings, Centrum Air and SmartLynx

Complementing this performance, hotel occupancy rate in the emirate also saw a significant rise, with an impressive occupancy of 74%, marking a year-on-year growth of 12%.

Ras Al Khaimah’s fast-growing hotel portfolio is central to delivering more arrivals to the emirate. In 2023, several new hospitality projects were announced, including Nobu, Le Méridien, W Hotels, JW Marriott & Hilton on Al Marjan Island and Nikki Beach on Mina Al Arab, representing over 1,800 keys in total.

The destination also welcomed Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, which opened its doors on 2 January 2024 with 174 rooms, suites and villas, including the emirate’s first overwater villas.

To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah’s destination offering, visit www.visitrasalkhaimah.com

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