UK visitor numbers to Ras Al Khaimah...

RAKTDA has forecast it will see 80,000 UK travellers visit next year

UK visitor numbers to Ras Al Khaimah are set to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has forecast it will see 80,000 UK travellers visit next year, the same as in 2019, up from an expected 60,000 this year.

The UK remains in the top three source markets for the emirate as it did prior to the pandemic.

RAKTDA chief executive Raki Phillips said: “The UK has always been in our top three markets globally as it is so well connected to Dubai, which is only a 45 minute drive from Ras Al Khaimah.

“We are happy that UK visitor levels this year are almost as high as they were in 2019, and we're sure to return to that in 2023 – and, hopefully, supersede it.

“We have fewer flights coming from the UK than we did in 2019, which may impact the number of visitors, however, all of those flights are at full capacity so we are feeling very optimistic.”

Phillips highlighted the importance of the trade for the destination, and said almost three-quarters of sales came via travel partners.

“Around 70% of our sales come through the trade, so our trade partners are extremely important to us.

“We have a certification programme to help partners learn more about the destination, as well as running fam trips, as there is no better way to understand a place than by visiting.”

Phillips went on to say Ras Al Khaimah plans to double the number of hotel rooms it has available to make space for additional visitors.

“We have continued to invest in the destination throughout the pandemic and we have new hotels opening this year and next. Our hope is to double our number of hotels rooms from 8,200 by 2025.”