600,000 travellers visited the Emirate between January and June 2023, boasting a 14.8% increase in visitors compared to the same time period last year.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced the record-breaking six-month performance which corresponded to the highest ever tourism-related revenue achieved for a half-year period. The results follow a series of strategic investments and initiatives made by the destination to cement itself as ‘the destination of the future’, with plans to continue to see the elevated growth rise for the rest of 2023.
Due to these initiatives, some of the achievements gained in the first half-year include international tourism accounting for 52% of visitors; RAKTDA achieving Silver Certification and becoming the first EarthCheck certified tourism board in the Middle East; partnering with Qatar Airways to expand its aviation strategy; and unveiling the design for the US$3.9bn Wynn Al Marjan Island which is set to open in 2027.
Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said, “2023 is shaping up to be the Emirate’s best year to date, with our first half results proving the efficacy of moving fast, staying relevant and just getting things done. It is essential we remain agile and continue to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering and create diverse and inspiring experiences for all.
“We have big ambitions and are confident that we will exceed our targets for 2023.”
