WITH IMPRESSIVE IMPROVEMENTS RECORDED FROM THE EMIRATE’S CORE MARKETS, THE DESTINATION’S TOURISM SECTOR CONTINUES TO THRIVE.
When analysing key tourism performance indicators, besides the rise in visitor figures, a notable surge in average length of stay is also considered a positive sign, according to Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA).
“The average length of stay of our guests is up 13 percent [for the timeframe between] January and July, versus the same period in 2015, while total guest nights are up 15.2 percent”, added Mattar.
Michael Calixte, general manager, Marjan Island Resort & Spa, also indicated that this year has been a strong period of growth with total revenue soaring 18 percent, driven by improved occupancy levels.
As he further noted, the rise occurred despite a slight decrease in average daily rate, yet high demand from Europe has continued to fuel the hotel sector’s development.
This was also underscored by Mattar, who revealed that between January and August, arrivals from Europe skyrocketed 45 percent with Germany delivering a robust 63 percent increase and the UK showing a 31 percent hike.
Tourism in Ras Al Khaimah is indeed growing rapidly, and as Al Hamra Real Estate Development’s management revealed, investment and development opportunities in the emirate continue to attract strong interest.
“We have built and delivered over 1,100 villas and townhouses as well as nearly 2,500 apartments,” stated Barry Ebrahimy, head of commercial, Al Hamra Real Estate Development, disclosing that the company’s key focus is now to develop Al Hamra and Ras Al Khaimah into a residential destination of choice and to bring the masterplan to life by attracting world-class events, retail outlets as well as uniquely positioned restaurants.
According to Mattar, RAK TDA has launched the Vision 2019 tourism strategy with the main goal to lure one million visitors by 2018. The long-term aim, however, is to reach three million annual guests by 2025.
To this end, as he revealed, the emirate’s room inventory is set to grow to 20,000 – 25,000 units versus the 5,000 keys currently on offer.
Many of these hotels will emerge on Al Marjan Island.
With the development stretching 4.5km out to the sea, the destination is projected to have 20 accommodation establishments by 2025, along with a convention and exhibition centre accommodating 1,000 people.
Al Hamra Real Estate Development is also looking at the expansion of its projects, such as the Bayti Homes, Bayti Premium, Manar Mall, Al Hamra Mall as well as the Falcon Island development.
“Falcon Island is a spectacular AED1 billion (USD273 million) masterplan under construction on a natural island in the natural lagoon at the heart of Al Hamra Village […],” explained Ebrahimy.
According to Mattar, the emirate’s biggest source is the UAE, accounting for around 30 percent of the total, followed by Germany, the UK, Russia and India.
Nevertheless, as he further highlighted, Scandinavia and Central Europe are also valuable contributors.
In line with these figures, Calixte revealed that half of Marjan Island Resort & Spa’s inventory consists of family suites, and with a themed playground, restaurants and activities, the management aims to attract large families, particularly from the UAE and the wider region.
“With an exclusive floor dedicated to the spa and health club, our resort is the ideal destination for wellbeing and [is a] special retreat for the leisure traveller from the Scandinavian, German, and Russian markets,” said Calixte.
Mattar assured that RAK TDA’s tourism strategy is based on solid research into potential tourist segments.
“In addition to the traditional sun, beach and golf tourism, Ras Al Khaimah’s natural and cultural assets are well-positioned to target three key high-yield global tourist segments which are wellness seekers, active adventurers and cultural explorers,” added Mattar.
