Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced a record-breaking year for tourism in 2024, with 1.28 million overnight visitors welcomed to the emirate. This remarkable achievement signifies a 12% surge in tourism revenues and a notable 15% increase in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visitors, solidifying Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
[Source: RAKTDA Press Release]
Key Highlights of Ras Al Khaimah’s Tourism Success in 2024
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Record-Breaking Numbers: 1.28 million overnight visitors, marking a 12% increase in tourism revenue.
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MICE Sector Growth: A significant 15% rise in MICE visitors, boosting the emirate’s reputation as a premier destination for business events.
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Sustainability Recognition: RAKTDA’s sustainability program recognized as the ‘Middle East’s Most Sustainable Project’ at the Forbes Middle East 2024 Sustainability Leaders’ Summit.
“2024 was a milestone year for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and diverse experiences tailored to every traveller,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. [Source: RAKTDA Press Release]
Factors Driving Tourism Growth
Several strategic initiatives and developments contributed to Ras Al Khaimah’s outstanding performance in 2024:
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Enhanced Connectivity: The introduction of new direct flights from key cities in Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Saudi Arabia and India.
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Expanded Hospitality: The opening of luxury resorts such as Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort.
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World-Class Events: Hosting acclaimed events like the HIGHLANDER Adventure hiking challenge, Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship, and the Global Citizen Forum.
Key Achievements in 2024:
New Hotel Openings:
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Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort
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Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort (featuring the Emirate’s first overwater villas)
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Sustainability:
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Named the ‘Middle East’s Most Sustainable Project’ at the Forbes Middle East 2024 Sustainability Leaders’ Summit.
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Became the region’s first destination to earn the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification.
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New Direct Flights:
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Moscow, Russia
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Bucharest, Romania
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Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Prague, Czech Republic
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Warsaw and Katowice, Poland
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Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Hyderabad, India
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Events:
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HIGHLANDER Adventure hiking challenge
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Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship
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Arab Aviation Summit
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Global Citizen Forum
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Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon
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HUAWEI AppGallery Gamers Cup
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Seven Wonders experiential concert series (launch)
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Awards and Recognitions:
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Certified as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year.
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Ranked among the top ten cities for expats in the InterNations City Ranking 2024.
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Named the world’s best city for expats to get started abroad (InterNations City Ranking 2024).
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Empowering Local Talent:
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Graduation of 18 Emirati youth from RAKTDA’s inaugural Emirati Hospitality Programme.
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Looking Ahead: Vision 2030
Ras Al Khaimah aims to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030, with ongoing investments in sustainable tourism practices, infrastructure, and unique visitor experiences. [Source: RAKTDA Strategic Plan]
“Our vision extends beyond attracting more visitors; we aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future. With significant investments, world-class events, and groundbreaking developments on the horizon, 2025 is set to be another remarkable year,” added Phillips. [Source: RAKTDA Press Release]
About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and position Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travelers. [Source: RAKTDA Official Website]
Sources
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- Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) Press Release
- RAKTDA Official Website
- Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders’ Summit
- InterNations City Ranking 2024
