Ras Al Khaimah Expands Focus To Saudi Arabia With First Tourism Delegation

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority leads delegation to Riyadh Travel Fair for first time

Saudi visitors amongst highest spenders in Ras Al Khaimah Opening of UAE’s first Waldorf Astoria expected to boost KSA tourism to the emirate

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) announces a new strategic focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it leads a delegation of the emirate’s premium tourism partners to Riyadh Travel Fair on 23-26 April, 2013 f or the first time.

The delegation, led by Ras Al Khaimah TDA, will include representatives from Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts, Banyan Tree Al Wadi & Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach and RAK Airport.

Known as the ‘rising emirate’, Ras Al Khaimah is fast establishing itself as a global tourism brand for affordable luxury destinations. With ever increasing visitor numbers from its primary source markets of UAE, Germany and Russia, the emirate is now looking to grow its reputation as a top regional holiday destination within the GCC, and specifically Saudi Arabia.

Visitors from KSA represent a small but high value and fast growing proportion of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector.

In 2012, Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 3,542 visitors from KSA, representing just 0.32% of the emirate’s total visitor number but a 234% increase in the number of KSA visitors from the year 2011. Saudi visitors to Ras Al Khaimah also have a significantly higher average hotel spend per guest than other source markets: spending, on average, US$110 per room in 2012, compared to $98 per UAE guest, $78 per German guest and $68 per Russian guest.

Victor Louis, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah TDA, commented ahead of the trip: “Over the past two years we’ve spotted a growing trend of KSA holiday makers choosing Ras Al Khaimah, making KSA one of our fastest growing markets as well as one of the highest spending per hotel guest. We see important potential for development here and, looking forwards, anticipate that Saudi Arabia will play an increasingly important role in our growth strategy for the emirate.

“The raft of new luxury hotel openings in Ras Al Khaimah due this year, including the UAE’s first Waldorf Astoria, will be a huge draw for the discerning Saudi tourist by offer affordable luxury experiences and high value-for-money holidays.

“We are looking forward to attending Riyadh Travel Fair and discovering new opportunities to strengthen the tourism links between our two regions.”

Emirate:  Ras Al Khaimah

Date: Apr 22, 2013

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