Ras Al Khaimah Sets Sights On 20% Growth In Indian Tourist Visits
India ranks as the fifth largest source market for Ras Al Khaimah, following Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Kazakhstan
As per media reports, Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates in the UAE, is aiming for over 20 per cent growth in tourist arrivals from India. According to Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, this growth will be driven by targeted marketing campaigns and the addition of new hotels.
"In 2023, we saw a significant increase in visitors from India, up 20 per cent compared with the 2022 numbers. This represents a strong recovery and growth compared to 2019. For 2024, we expect year-on-year growth exceeding 20 per cent, driven by targeted marketing campaigns and the introduction of new hotels and attractions that resonate with Indian travellers," Phillips said.
In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah achieved its highest number of overnight arrivals, welcoming 1.22 million visitors. This surpassed the previous record of 1.13 million visitors in 2022, according to him.
He added, "This growth reflects our strategic efforts in enhancing our tourism offerings and promoting the Emirate globally. For 2024, we anticipate continued growth, projecting a 10 per cent increase in the number of arrivals as we introduce new hotels and experiences that cater to a diverse range of travellers."
India ranks as the fifth largest source market for Ras Al Khaimah, following Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Kazakhstan, according to Phillips. He noted that the steady increase in Indian tourists highlights Ras Al Khaimah's growing appeal as a preferred destination for Indian travellers.
When asked about the average spending of Indian tourists, Phillips said, "While I cannot provide exact figures due to varying factors, however, I can confidently say that Indian tourists are among the top contributors to our tourism economy in the UAE."
Indian travellers spend an average of US$ 1,200 per trip to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, according to the latest data from Euromonitor International, Phillips added. He also noted that the majority of Indian tourists visiting Ras Al Khaimah are families, adventure enthusiasts, and wellness seekers. However, there is a growing trend of young couples and honeymooners choosing Ras Al Khaimah for its unique mix of adventure, luxury, and tranquility.
He went on, "In 2024, we aim to attract a diverse range of segments from India, including family vacationers, adventure enthusiasts, and luxury travellers. We are also focusing on promoting meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Weddings are also an important segment for us, and we have seen a growing interest in destination weddings. Our Emirate offers a range of breathtaking wedding venues, from beachfront resorts to desert oases, and we work closely with our partners in India."
Phillips mentioned that the strong air connectivity between the UAE and India will further enhance tourism from India, with numerous direct flights taking just over three hours. He added, "Ras Al Khaimah benefits from its proximity to Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest and most well-connected airports globally, located just 45 minutes away."
To sustain the current momentum of tourist arrivals from India, Phillips stated that the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is engaging in roadshows, media events, familiarisation trips, and exclusive gatherings with prominent wedding planners.
"We have been forging strategic partnerships and implementing targeted marketing campaigns to enhance our tourism offerings. Moreover, we are doubling our hospitality portfolio with a pipeline of over 20 properties set to add 7,000 keys to the current hotel inventory over the next few years," Phillips said.
