The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) recently conducted its first travel trade roadshow in India in Mumbai and New Delhi. The educational sessions familiarised the Indian travel trade community with Ras Al Khaimah to build a strong communication process between the emirate and travel trade partners from India. The 20-member delegation, comprising hoteliers, resorts, spas, and representatives of tour attractions, interacted with over 200 key travel and tour operators, MICE providers and up-market leisure operators.
Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing a positive trend from India, which has been identified as one of the fastest and strongest growing source markets in terms of visitor figures. In 2015, the emirate saw an 80 per cent increase in visitors from India, as compared to 2014. The recent rebranding of the emirate is in line with its new tourism strategy, and an overall aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a leading destination for leisure and business tourism.
RAKTDA plans to reach one million visitors by the end of 2018 and the promotional activities in 2016 is expected to reflect this through a dynamic events schedule and rejuvenation of the emirate’s cultural offerings. The following years will also see a number of hotel openings and developments, including Anantara, Marriott and Crowne Plaza.
Traditionally, inbound tourism from India has derived from the wedding and short stay sector incorporating a range of tourism activities including cultural and heritage tours, water sports, events, desert safaris or luxurious breaks. The emirate’s strategy also includes promoting the right attractions and events to encourage travellers from India to lengthen their stay in Ras Al Khaimah.
Tina Kanuga, director, Bathija Travels, who attended the roadshow, said, “A short drive from Dubai and Sharjah takes you to a stunning beach destination with scenic landscapes and deluxe properties with hot thermal springs. Ras Al Khaimah is unique as it offers mountains, terracotta desert camps as well as more than 60 km of beaches and coves. Ras Al Khaimah is the definite add-on in the UAE for all holidays, but is also a perfect holiday destination in its own right.”
Another attendee Hutokshi Marker, chief operating officer, Trail Blazer Tours India, said, “Ras Al Khaimah is attracting attention because it offers a new and refreshing change from over-saturated destinations. The destination offers much more with its beauty combined with activities like water sports, mountain trekking and spas located only 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Ras Al Khaimah is definitely a top seller for us and promotions for high-end FITs and all MICE movements are ongoing.”
