Ras Al Khaimah signs air connectivity...

Germany is already one of the emirate’s top five visitor source markets

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the FTI Group, a European tour operator, have struck a new agreement that will pave the way for the launch of twice-weekly flights from Munich to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport from Q4 2023.

The agreement, which was signed by RAKTDA chief executive officer Raki Phillips and FTI Group CEO Ralph Schiller, will significantly expand air connectivity between Ras Al Khaimah and Germany.

Germany ranks among the global tourism industry’s most important outbound source markets and is projected to account for almost 118 million travellers annually by 2024, according to a recent report published by GlobalData.

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Phillips commented: “This agreement with the FTI Group marks a major milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development strategy, as we look to drive inbound traffic from Germany, which counts among our fastest-growing visitor source markets.

“In 2022, we experienced 81% growth in German visitors to Ras Al Khaimah compared to the previous year, and the addition of twice-weekly direct flights from Munich, one of the country’s most important aviation hubs, should see this number grow substantially.

"Our robust relationships with all leading trade partners in Germany will play a key role in reaching our target of 3 million visitors annually by 2030, while boosting tourism’s GDP contribution from 5% today to almost a third of Ras Al Khaimah’s economy in the near future.”

The FTI Group is a major player in Germany’s tourism sector, accounting for a 15% share of the market and US$4 billion turnover in FY2021/22.

Schiller added: “The signing of this agreement significantly strengthens our partnership with RAKTDA and aligns with our business development plans by boosting outbound tourism to the emirate. With this long-term partnership, we're contributing to Ras Al Khaimah’s growth story. We look forward to the great future that lies ahead of Ras Al Khaimah and are excited to be a part of it."

The tourism authority has also signed an agreement with Qatar Airways that will see the Qatari flag carrier launch direct daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, commencing 1 November 2023. Both agreements reinforce RAKTDA’s strategy designed to boost inbound tourism by increasing global air connectivity to the emirate.

For more information, visit www.visitrasalkhaimah.com