The region’s fastest growing tourism destination registered 71 per cent growth in Saudi visitor numbers year-to-date 

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 29 March 2017:  Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), which develops the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and initiates its domestic and overseas promotions, has expanded its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new representation office in the country’s capital, Riyadh.

Marking its sixth international representation office, the Riyadh opening will support the tourism body’s promotional activities and trade partnerships to penetrate the Kingdom’s high potential outbound market. A team of dedicated trade promotion, MICE and business development staff will manage various in-market promotions and initiatives to drive further awareness of Ras Al Khaimah as a multi-faceted business and leisure destination to Saudi travellers.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia produces more hotel guests to the emirate than ever before. According to recent RAKTDA data, tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia increased by 71.28 per cent year-to-date, with further growth expected during the course of 2017.

Commenting on the new office opening, RAKTDA CEO Haitham Mattar said: “This market on our door-step is extremely important to us. The UAE has long been a favourite destination for Saudi tourists and our new our new representative office will further cement our promotional presence in the Kingdom. Through this representation we will build upon current travel trade partnerships, explore further opportunities and continually position Ras Al Khaimah as a year-round destination through targeted campaigns.”

RAKTDA’s policy of positioning the emirate as more than a sun, sea and sand destination, driven by the implementation of the Destination Ras Al Khaimah 2019 strategy, has resulted in attracting 820,772 visitors in 2016, placing it in a strong position to achieve its target of one million visitors by the end of 2018.
With 64 kilometres of pristine coastline amongst its many natural and cultural treasures, Ras Al Khaimah is a desirable choice for the UAE and GCC market due to the diversity of its hotel offering, distinctive cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Families from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are increasingly on the lookout for a convenient and safe destination within a short flight distance. They are keen to experience new vacation choices, and are attracted by outstanding hotel facilities, kids clubs, water sports and great shopping facilities. In addition to this, they can find exclusive accommodation features and halal tourism offerings available in several of Ras al Khaimah’s resorts.

Situated only 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport and with numerous direct flights operating between Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah represents an ideal destination for Saudi travelers who are looking to visit the emirate as both a standalone holiday or as a value-add destination on UAE-wide excursions.

RAKTDA launched its Vision 2019 tourism strategy with a target for 1 million visitors by the end of 2018. The strategy focuses on the emirate’s inimitable assets which include some of the finest beaches and nature in the region, the highest mountain in the UAE, a unique terracotta desert, 7000 years of history and heritage, as well as authentic Arabian cultural experiences. The TDA is planning an additional 20,000 hotel rooms by 2025, along with new tourist attractions, products and events to be developed across Ras al Khaimah.