UAE staycations power Ras Al Khaimah's tourism boom
However, due to regional tensions and reflection in the figures from international tourist arrivals, hotels through Ras Al Khaimah have continued to show formidable 70-90 per cent occupancy levels broadly sculpted by UAE residents and intra-regional travellers looking for short break destinations due proximity between areas stretching out buffering ideal locations.
Tourism currently accounts for less than 5 per cent of Ras Al Khaimah's GDP, and with the emirate looking to attract around 3.5 million tourists a year by 2030 this summer season presents something of a test of its burgeoning visitor economy.
Although wider regional tensions have taken their toll on global travel sentiment, Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector is preparing for summer with strong confidence based on resilience in local tourism trends, increasing staycation demand and a diverse visitor base keeping hotels buoyant.
Commenting on the numbers, by sector, Phillipa Harrison; Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: "Our hotels in Ras Al Khaimah continue to perform at a high level when it comes to demand especially among UAE residents and travelers from the region seeking a break that can help them achieve an authentic sense of escapism without going too far away.
That was already visible during Eid holiday when internal tourism helped maintain high occupancy in the 70 -90 per cent range across the emirate. That gives us security as we look forward.
The regional tensions are obviously causing volatility in international forward bookings but Ras Al Khaimah is structured to deal with short-term challenges, she said.
Harrison said, Our demand base is getting more diversified, with a better balance of international and domestic visitors, along with greater emphasis on regional lots, additionally releasing the short-haul plus high awareness markets which usually prove to be more resilient for the duration of uncertain times.
Domestic demand
Domestic market is still the strongest driver of tourism performance, with UAE residents opting on staycations and short break offers them value, flexibility and convenience without a long-haul flight.
Ras Al Khaimah has everything from beachfront resorts, desert getaways, mountain adventures at Jebel Jais and wellness experiences all within a short drive making it appealing for those looking for an entire getaway.
Domestically focused activities this year saw visitors from the UAE alone double, driven by the continuous RAK Moments campaign across hotel stays, dining, wellness and family activities.
Harrison stated that the domestic market continues to be one of Ras Al Khaimah's biggest tourism sector drivers, and that he expected staycations and day visitation to remain relevant.
"There is a great demand for real change of pace breaks as well as good value from UAE residents and this is where we have a definite competitive advantage,"
Officials predict families will push the demand again this summer, especially for all-inclusive packages, wellness breaks and experience-driven vacations that require little preparation.
International markets recovering
International recovery in Russia, the CIS and India is projected to lead the way, led by key Eastern and Western European markets still offering significant visitor growth potential.
In 2023, the flexible cancellation policies and family packages; wellness add-ons; curated short-break deals built around reassurance and convenience; hotels and tourism stakeholders are also responding to changing travel behavior.
Ras Al Khaimah is continuing to add more of the hospitality offerings and tourism infrastructure it needs for long-term development. This year saw several new hotel openings, including Rotana The Mangroves and Saij Mountain Lodge by Mantis; meanwhile major projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island slowly, but surely keep making progress.
Harrison said: “We are also developing a new brand campaign that conveys the nature of Ras Al Khaimah and what it is becoming, due for launch in late 2023.”
With an ever increasing part of the emirate's economy pinned to tourism, on summer afternoons demand is no longer just thought to offer a seasonal lift however a significant component supporting development year-round and backing Ras Al Khaimah's drawn out plan for improvement.
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