Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) have reported a 10% year-on-year increase in the number of visitors in the first six months of 2017.
The figures were revealed by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) who added that in addition to double-digit year-on-year growth in guest arrivals during H1, average hotel occupancy jumped to 72.7% – an increase of 4.7% on the corresponding six-month period in 2016.
“While our excellent H1 results highlight continued year-on-year growth in Ras Al Khaimah’s visitor numbers, it is the Ramadan and June results that are particularly promising,” said Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAKTDA.
“Our best-ever figures during these typically lower periods of occupancy are a direct result of strategic initiatives and promotional activities undertaken in domestic and international source markets – we are thrilled to see those efforts to boost summer numbers bearing immediate fruit.”
He added that the “best-ever” H1, Ramadan and June figures put the emirate in a solid position to optimise the traditional peak season of late summer and Q4.
Emerging destinations continue to be key contributors with significant growth in H1 from Kazakhstan – up 16%, Poland – up 224%, and the Czech Republic – up 81%.
The growth in arrivals from Poland and the Czech Republic are attributed to strategic partnerships and charter agreements struck between RAKTDA and in-market tour operators in the central European nations.
“It is very satisfying to see such robust growth from both our established and emerging markets during H1,” said Mattar.
“Ras Al Khaimah boasts a diverse array of natural landscapes that appeal to all walks of visitor, whether its beach-seekers, active adventurers or wellness seekers, and with a diverse array of exciting new products coming online later this year – specifically in our adventure tourism playground that is Jebel Jais – we are optimistic of registering continued growth from all key markets for the remainder of the year and beyond.”
